indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
Synonyms of indispensable
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
is indispensable to the team
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability
ˌin-di-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness
ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun
indispensably
ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of indispensable

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Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Slowly at first, but ever more quickly, SpaceX went from needing the US government as an indispensable customer to becoming an indispensable contractor for the nation. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026 The companies that help agents verify reality and transact reliably stand to become more ubiquitous and indispensable. — Oliver Kharraz, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 One of the most distinguished exponents of Beowulf as live performance today is the American singer Benjamin Bagby, who’s made the lyre an indispensable part of his act. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 And, not least, those who regard Netanyahu as the indispensable guarantor of Jewish security and those who see him as the principal threat to the country’s democratic character and reputation abroad. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Rhymes for indispensable

See All Rhymes for indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

indispensability
indispensable
indispensableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability
-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party
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