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
Never one to shy away from rewearing her trusty wardrobe essentials, Queen Letizia chose the same black-and-white outfit formula for an outing in Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain, last week.
—
Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Its slim profile and crossbody strap keep it secure, while the interior is surprisingly roomy—big enough for your essentials and then some.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
The doors open to reveal four spacious shelves for efficiently storing essentials.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
The brand nails high-quality essentials that look luxe without wrecking your travel budget.
—Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Moments like this have a way of stripping leadership down to its essentials.
—Adrianne Wright, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Pared back to the barest, chicest essentials, these six private bungalows are steps from a tropical lagoon dotted with traditional wooden dhows.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Don’t be fooled by its petite, easy-to-carry silhouette, though, because the bag boasts plenty of space to stow your essentials and beyond.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Survivors were gathering their essentials onto bikes, taxis and trucks and heading away from the village to restart life elsewhere.
—Pelumi Salako, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Its slim profile and crossbody strap keep it secure, while the interior is surprisingly roomy—big enough for your essentials and then some.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
The doors open to reveal four spacious shelves for efficiently storing essentials.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
The brand nails high-quality essentials that look luxe without wrecking your travel budget.
—Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Moments like this have a way of stripping leadership down to its essentials.
—Adrianne Wright, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Pared back to the barest, chicest essentials, these six private bungalows are steps from a tropical lagoon dotted with traditional wooden dhows.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Don’t be fooled by its petite, easy-to-carry silhouette, though, because the bag boasts plenty of space to stow your essentials and beyond.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Survivors were gathering their essentials onto bikes, taxis and trucks and heading away from the village to restart life elsewhere.
—Pelumi Salako, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essentials
Noun
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Microorganisms naturally require trace amounts of some rare earth elements, and researchers can adjust conditions so the microbes efficiently take them up.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Smoking marijuana is also unhealthy, however, because cannabis smoke contains carcinogens, tar and other dangerous elements.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In his youth, all children in the British equivalent of sixth grade were supposed to take an exam to sort them into grammar or vocational schools; Goldsworthy wasn’t even given the test.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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Charles Langmuir was no fan of his son's weakness in grammar and spelling.—
Natalia Sánchez Loayza,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essentials.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essentials. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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