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
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Gemini’s success is a start, but sustained AI innovation is essential.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
This gap between theory and practice often means that business leaders are at a loss for essentials, like how to build a marketing team from scratch, how to connect marketing with sales or how to create a system that delivers consistent results rather than ad-hoc campaigns.
—Christine Pilkington, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area, as clear skies will be essential for best viewing.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Gemini’s success is a start, but sustained AI innovation is essential.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Bedding essentials like cooling mattresses, breathable sheets, and gel pillows are all necessities anytime of year to ensure a sweat-free sleep.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
This gap between theory and practice often means that business leaders are at a loss for essentials, like how to build a marketing team from scratch, how to connect marketing with sales or how to create a system that delivers consistent results rather than ad-hoc campaigns.
—Christine Pilkington, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Is Executive Order 14224 even necessary?—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An integral part of the mentorship, Dillane said, was how designers could make their careers viable.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon will be integral parts of the rotation along with rookie Cade Horton, but Cease's addition would bolster the rotation.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, a tote that can hold a laptop is a must in our book these days for working on the go.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Tents Create Atmosphere, Not Just Shelter Tents are a must for outdoor parties, but not for the reason most think.—
Amanda Lauren,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Hurdles have included problems obtaining required permits from the city council, complaints from residents about noise and light pollution, reports of workers’ rights not being respected by local authorities, and suppliers going bankrupt.—
Pol Ballus,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Beyond reading the college’s brochures and website, Selingo encourages prospective students to ask current students how helpful the career offices are, what their advisors are like and how accessible required courses are.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even if partners don’t agree on every single detail pertaining to religion or politics, most healthy couples nevertheless share a rudimentary worldview.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Set in 1994 and kitted out with plenty of period-appropriate details, the film’s setting allows for all sorts of mystery (and one, quite funny, rudimentary internet search).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Foster self-acceptance by regularly affirming your son’s inherent value, and the value of other young men, irrespective of any kind of achievements, characteristics, and physical attributes.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Before the Big Bang, the Universe wasn’t dominated by matter or radiation, but by energy inherent to space itself, in a phase known as cosmic inflation.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then, in January 2025, the government introduced a Social Media Bill that placed further requirements on social media platforms.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Over the years, the government's reporting requirements have changed, which makes historical comparisons a little tricky.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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