as in principles
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
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Recent Examples of essentials
Not all basics are equal, as true essentials are defined by versatility, quality, and frequent wear.
—
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Then keep scrolling to shop more outdoor essentials for a bug-free spring at Amazon.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Pack essentials and prepare to leave if an order is issued.
—Kevin Sablan, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
With no one aboard, the Artemis I capsule lacked life-support equipment and other crew essentials like a water dispenser and toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Consult our list of common items that shouldn’t be stored in oven drawers and why to protect your kitchen essentials and stay safe.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Low- and middle-income earners spend larger shares of their wealth on essentials including transportation, food, and housing, meaning their ability to spend in the economy gets squeezed faster when prices for the basics rise.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Prioritize safety and preparedness—ensure vaccinations are current, ID tags and microchips are in place, and pack essentials such as water, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Keeping those troops supplied with food, water, ammunition, and other essentials would pose a significant logistical challenge.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Then keep scrolling to shop more outdoor essentials for a bug-free spring at Amazon.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Pack essentials and prepare to leave if an order is issued.
—Kevin Sablan, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
With no one aboard, the Artemis I capsule lacked life-support equipment and other crew essentials like a water dispenser and toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Consult our list of common items that shouldn’t be stored in oven drawers and why to protect your kitchen essentials and stay safe.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Low- and middle-income earners spend larger shares of their wealth on essentials including transportation, food, and housing, meaning their ability to spend in the economy gets squeezed faster when prices for the basics rise.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Prioritize safety and preparedness—ensure vaccinations are current, ID tags and microchips are in place, and pack essentials such as water, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Keeping those troops supplied with food, water, ammunition, and other essentials would pose a significant logistical challenge.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essentials
Noun
-
If the novel concerned only these elements—the clash of cultures in a small town, the thrill of the landscape beyond it—readers would still turn the last page with a fruitful, even nourishing, sense of disorientation.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Prices of three niche elements — tungsten, sulfur and helium — have climbed sharply in recent weeks.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Keuilian subsequently copped to the bad grammar.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Her duties include reviewing police reports, making notes and checking grammar — steady, meticulous work that keeps the station running smoothly.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essentials.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essentials. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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