1
as in necessary
impossible to do without
a well-stocked public library is essential for the well-being of a community
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
anyone with an essential knowledge of human biology can follow the documentary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in integral
being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing
an unquenchable belief in the essential goodness of most people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in principles
essentials plural
general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based
this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essential
Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world.
—Time Pr, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Kristen Geil, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
For more of my favorite plastic-free kitchen essentials, keep reading.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world.
—Time Pr, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
Without any fanfare, REI has marked down many of Arc’teryx’s cold weather essentials down by as much as 50 percent.
—Kristen Geil, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
For more of my favorite plastic-free kitchen essentials, keep reading.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Still, the goal is to make necessary changes before hardship.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
On the company’s earnings call, analysts asked CEO Tim Cook several questions about Apple’s access to memory components, which have seen their prices skyrocket due to demand related to chips necessary for artificial intelligence data centers.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What to Avoid Composting in Winter Eliminate problems by sticking to basic greens and browns using a ratio of four parts brown material to one part green material.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Beyond calling for reskilling workers displaced by AI, Stockwood has previously floated the idea of tech companies being taxed in order to fund universal basic income payments.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
To now be on the platform that has been such an integral part of my upbringing is an honor.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Are United maintaining the record for the sake of it, or is there a sincere belief that the academy should be an integral piece of the club’s strategy?—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Keeping clean and precise transaction records to protect themselves is a must, as the Department of Justice and Customs and Border Protection have been tasked with cracking down on any attempts at tariff evasion.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Jan. 2026
-
For a neighborhood favorite, Loretta’s Pralines on Rampart Street is a must.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Bulletin has made thoughtful decisions each year on how to get people’s attention about existential threats and the required action, Eryn MacDonald, senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Global Security Program, told CNN in 2022.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Early warning is rudimentary and community liaison mechanisms are flimsy.—
Obi Anyadike,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The federal student loan program lacks even rudimentary safeguards common in the private sector.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Hungerstone is a delicious tribute to the inherent horrors of womanhood and the desperate and exquisite vulgarity of desire.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
But Swims buckled into the ballad, standing tall and belting through the song’s inherent ache.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Failed units must be remediated or tenants relocated within 30 days, as well as the establishment of a complaint hotline for 24/7 reporting and the requirement of a landlord response within five business days.—
JAMES HERRERA MONTEREY HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But under the bill, land-use changes outside the Urban Development Boundary would require a simple majority vote, which is the current requirement for changes inside the boundary.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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