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

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

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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
Considering how much time Embiid tends to miss, having an identity without him is essential. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The more important question is why so many African governments remain unable to provide essential services without it. — W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
Camp Meeker Cabin stands as a thoughtful retreat that brings mountain living back to its essentials. — Bridget Borgobello july 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 Shop furniture and decor for every room, the best summer bedding, and outdoor essentials, like furniture, umbrellas, planters, and more. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 July 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
  • Anything tragic that happened to minorities was inevitable and necessary.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • No contribution is necessary but encouraged once the account is open so savings can grow, the site said.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • From bold color contrast to sheer layering and retro prints, caftans can be styled far beyond a basic beach coverup.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The lawsuit comes as consumers report struggling to afford basic necessities.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • This shift reflects a growing belief that self-investment, confidence, and joy are integral to a new, healthier definition of strength, challenging the expectation to always carry the world's burdens.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of integral
Noun
  • Shrimp and mussels are a must for her seafood paella, though the queen of home cooking has also used lobster in the past.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
  • While breakfast and lunch are first-come, first-serve, for dinner a reservation is a must.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Authorities stopped letting people into the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with more than 1,000 sheltering outside the building and some exposed to the elements.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of elements
Adjective
  • The required Biblical passages and stories impact elementary, middle and high school levels and will take effect in the 2030-2031 school year.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The outpost may resemble something of a rudimentary city on the moon.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Separating identity from one's profession allows for continuous learning and thriving in an evolving workplace, ensuring value comes from inherent capabilities, not just a role.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The physical configuration achieves passive safety operational profiles by relying on subcritical physics variables and inherent material limitations.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on essential

Nglish: Translation of essential for Spanish Speakers

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