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
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
an essential role
essential information
critical information
fundamental information
useful information
primary information
precious information
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of essential
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Research suggests proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy, brain function, and overall health.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 July 2025
Instead of lining your cart with mixology tools and glassware, place your makeup products, hair styling tools, skincare essentials and more on the cart for easy access.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
These skills are essential for everyday tasks like making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Research suggests proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy, brain function, and overall health.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Noun
From barrier-boosting skin care to sweat-proof makeup, now is a smart time to shop summer essentials before prices bounce back up.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 July 2025
Instead of lining your cart with mixology tools and glassware, place your makeup products, hair styling tools, skincare essentials and more on the cart for easy access.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Healthier Skin Papaya contains vitamins A and C, which are necessary for healthy skin and collagen production.4 Collagen provides strength and elasticity to skin.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
30 July 2025
-
The ceasefire will bring an end to fighting for 42 days, allowing necessary aid to enter Gaza and 33 Israeli hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Superintendents like Gearing have decried the state for not increasing its basic allotment — the base level building block for the school finance system — since 2019.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
But in the brave new world of agentic AI, such basic checks won’t be enough to catch AI agents wandering around the internet to do tasks on their owners’ behalf.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
The larger issue many families face, however, is not the risk of divorce, but the challenge of what happens when an in-law becomes an integral part of the business and is ineffective in their role.—
Lisa Zeiderman,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Just like Coker had steep odds to conquer last year, his path to the Panthers’ roster and then to being an integral part of the offense isn’t without competition.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
No matter what the Yankees do before the deadline passes at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, getting multiple relievers is a must.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
-
The elements around it have changed, but the magic has remained pure, a must.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
No required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification from the company was viewable on the state’s Labor and Economic Opportunity website as of the morning of Wednesday, July 23.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
-
The petition drive was a required step to keep the cityhood application process going.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Few technologies, and certainly few so rudimentary in design and execution, have done more for the betterment of the world than shipping containers.—
Tony Morley,
National Review,
25 July 2025
-
This is the most simple kind of AI agent that basically provides a rudimentary function.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
The strategy carries inherent moral challenges and political risks.—
Morgan Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
-
Unfortunately, this scenario represents a national obsession that has no inherent benefits but also portends deep regret for millions.—
Scott Liftman,
Boston Herald,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Travelers should carefully review the entry requirements as the repercussions for not following the rules could end in tragedy.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Aug. 2025
-
What are the eligibility requirements to run for governor in Tennessee?—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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