essential 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
Definition of essentialnext
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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

essential

2 of 2

noun

1
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word essential different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of essential are cardinal, fundamental, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could cardinal be used to replace essential?

While in some cases nearly identical to essential, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When is fundamental a more appropriate choice than essential?

While the synonyms fundamental and essential are close in meaning, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When would vital be a good substitute for essential?

The words vital and essential are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of essential
Adjective
Humidity is essential for salmonella and warmer summers will mean more humid-favorable conditions for the bacteria to grow. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026 Here is Dolly Parton’s immortal music legacy in 10 essential songs. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
Lululemon is stepping into fall with fresh styles and everyday essentials made for busy back-to-school routines, cooler days and everything the season brings. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Influencer Keith Lee put together this massive, day-long giveaway of essentials for a community essentially frozen in place. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
  1. necessary
  2. basic
  3. integral
  4. must
  5. elements
  6. required
  7. rudimentary
  8. inherent
Adjective
  • Addressing workers at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume warned Tuesday that eliminating tens of thousands of jobs could be necessary to remain competitive.
    — Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The equipment in the classroom is also outdated and no longer reaches performance capabilities necessary for modern digital art, web design and 2D and 3D imaging, officials said.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Her weight and notable appetite are integral to the musical number.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The arrival of the transistor began the era of electronics that has become an integral part of our daily lives.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of integral
Noun
  • Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Downtown shopping is a must, Southern Living says, with a local bookstore and village shop.
    — Eva Flowe August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • The simulated elements use a detailed 3D computer model of the same device.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • These elements give it a look grounded in Persian art, which is different from the futuristic style usually seen at Burning Man.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of elements
Adjective
  • Your school will apply the funds toward required costs like tuition and fees before sending any remaining amount to you.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The economics behind that shift are already influencing how some large companies deploy AI, with businesses becoming increasingly selective in matching individual tasks to models based on cost and required performance.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Using rudimentary 3-D animation tools, the film looks janky, with sharp edges and bad editing.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • The strategy seeks to slow China's technological advancement through attrition rather than a complete ban, acknowledging the inherent challenge of policing cross-border digital services.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Although none of these trails are terribly technical, there’s still an inherent risk that comes with hiking.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of inherent

Browse Nearby Words

essences
essential
essentialities
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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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