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

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

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

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

For
Try This
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
But Craig Eiland of the Texas Trial Lawyers’ Association, who testified in opposition to the bill, argued that the law would force plaintiffs to leave out essential information. —Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 If cooperation with the U.S. declines, greater autonomy will be essential to secure strategic and economic benefits from space. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
Another 45 minutes later, boxes of staples, MREs, and cases of water were being unloaded and distributed to the community, which had gone without these essentials for eight days. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 The brand’s offer includes grooming, skin care, body care, hair care and manicure essentials products. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 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
  • These companies feel like necessary building blocks of modern existence.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.
    — Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.
    — Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The score is not only fantastic, but such an integral part of a narrative about the cultural and magical impact of music.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Those raised in poverty become accustomed to setbacks, viewing them as integral parts of life's journey.
    — Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of integral
Noun
  • The scene will portray oil workers getting in their trucks and heading to work, thus a dirty vehicle is a must.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Double Imperative Having two ovens – whether in a wall installation or as part of a range – is a must, Silverman declares.
    — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of must
Adjective
  • The Friends of Bear Creek Stables are tasked with asking for quotes for required coverage before making that decision.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • According to the death review investigation, the facility conducted the required well-being checks on the resident every 30 minutes from 9:53 p.m. Oct. 18 through 2:13 a.m. Oct. 19.
    — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The adjustable-length stirrups will suit a wide range of riders, holding onto a rudimentary handlebar and sitting on a floating seat unit long enough to take a passenger, and capable of moving independently from the robot's ... butt joints.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.
    — Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Pounding the pavement to rummage for vintage treasure is inherent to unearthing the rare and one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrity stylists, editors, and fashion-loving brides-to-be seek her out for.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Similarly, companies that release forked AOSP products rarely use the main AOSP branch due to its inherent instability.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of inherent
Noun
  • The Transportation Security Administration confirmed to USA TODAY that the agency still had plans to enforce the identification requirement for every adult traveler starting Wednesday, May 7.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This can provide the agility needed to shift workloads across different providers as strategic requirements change.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of requirement

Browse Nearby Words

essences
essential
essentialities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on essential

Nglish: Translation of essential for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All