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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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an essential role
a necessary role
a crucial role
an imperative role
a vital role
an integral role
essential information
critical information
fundamental information
useful information
primary information
precious information
an essential element
a key element
a requisite element
a major element
a main element
an important element

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
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
Even with just the essentials, the weight adds up pretty fast. —Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Pair them with your favorite casual outfit for hands-free access to all of your essentials on-the-go. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
  1. necessary
  2. basic
  3. integral
  4. must
  5. required
  6. rudimentary
  7. inherent
  8. requirement
Adjective
  • The data needs to be accessible and running in sync across necessary components within the system, not operating in a silo.
    — Lori Schafer, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The Trump administration argued the deployment was necessary to deal with chaotic protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.
    — July 15, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • An analysis published on July 9 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that Trump’s cuts put a third of basic scientific research programs at risk, while the National Institutes of Health could have its budget cut by 40%.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 July 2025
  • This map was created in its basic form by Philadelphia cartographer Lewis Evans.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2025
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The report cites that as of Feb. 13, the district had 47.5 special education teacher vacancies among other vacancies including school psychologists, school social workers and speech language pathologists, all of whom are integral to special education services for students.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • The reports come as the success of Tesla's robotaxi division may be increasingly integral to the future of the company.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 July 2025
Definition of integral
Noun
  • Finally, and perhaps most obviously, in today’s office world, drinks and snacks are a must.
    — Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Pasta salad is always a must at the potluck, and this one has been around for a very long time.
    — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Definition of must
Adjective
  • The 31-year-old is a true holding midfielder, offering assurance in playing out from the back and moving the ball through the thirds at the required tempo.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • But he still has not been confirmed by the Senate, a required step to take on the role permanently (typically, U.S. attorneys serve through a president's time in office).
    — Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2025
Definition of required
Adjective
  • What began as rudimentary chatbots programmed to respond to queries based on keywords eventually evolved into GenAI.
    — Vivek Ahuja, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • From behind the fence, at the white hut, a rudimentary but powerful loudhailer and speaker system is set up, from which a commentator fills every second of dead air with excitable exhortations to Allah combined with knowledgeable play-by-play analysis in machine-gun fast Arabic.
    — Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of inherent
Noun
  • The court found that the Legislature was violating the state constitution’s requirement that any laws pass both houses of the Legislature and be presented to the governor.
    — Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Among the new regulations, the most consequential are: 1) the requirement that climbers must summit at least one 7,000-meter (22,965-foot) peak in Nepal before applying for a permit for Mount Everest, and 2) the ban on solo expeditions on Mount Everest and all other 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of requirement

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 22 Jul. 2025.

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