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
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
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
an essential role
essential information
critical information
fundamental information
useful information
primary information
precious information
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essential
Ryan Hampton, Time, 28 May 2025
Details of the escape remained confidential Wednesday Those involved say discretion is essential to protect the safety of María Alexandra Gómez, a Venezuelan national who is Gallo’s partner, and their son, Victor Benjamin, as well as others who facilitated the operation.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Stock up on summer essentials under $25 before Amazon’s Memorial Day sale ends on May 26.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Taking away mental health care and essential healthcare services from low-income populations puts an already vulnerable group at a significantly higher risk for addiction.
—Ryan Hampton, Time, 28 May 2025
Details of the escape remained confidential Wednesday Those involved say discretion is essential to protect the safety of María Alexandra Gómez, a Venezuelan national who is Gallo’s partner, and their son, Victor Benjamin, as well as others who facilitated the operation.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Noun
Cast-iron cookware has been at the center of our kitchen essentials for generations.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Stock up on summer essentials under $25 before Amazon’s Memorial Day sale ends on May 26.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
If additional funding is necessary, the goal is not just to access capital, but to access it strategically.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
According to Alvarez, the owners cited financial struggles for why closing was necessary.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Even after one course Rudd can ask what brings them to the clinic and get basic background information.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
-
You will then be asked to provide basic personal information, like your name, age, current address, device location, etc.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Over the past two seasons, Williams’ proficiency in the midrange has become an integral part of the Thunder’s half-court setup, finishing the regular season in the 93rd and 96th percentile in midrange attempts, according to Cleaning the Glass.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
Don’t Bury The Help Button Many brands treat customer service as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the buying journey.—
Gabriel Shaoolian,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Plus, opting for styles in breezy linen is an absolute must for summer’s hotter weather.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
29 May 2025
-
But Tyler, the Creator believes delusion is a must for artists and creatives across the board.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The approval of the amendment's ballot title and popular name, which are used as shorthand to describe the measure on the ballot, is a required step before the League of Women Voters can begin collecting signatures.—
Neal Earley,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
-
The petition drive was a required step to keep the cityhood application process going.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
And no, this doesn't mean turning the office into a place full of rudimentary and shallow perks.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
His projections were rudimentary by today’s standards, but at the time were ahead of the curve.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
On the contrary, the power of the purse is reserved to Congress, and the President has no inherent authority to override Congress's will on domestic spending decisions.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
-
Loro Piana’s connection to the equestrian world was inherent from the very beginning, with brothers Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana, the former co-owners of the Maison, both passoniate riders.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
The requirement to check in 60 minutes before an international flight remains unchanged.—
Dennis Green,
AFAR Media,
2 June 2025
-
During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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