INDISPENSABLE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

indispensable

adjective

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of indispensable

as in essential

impossible to do without fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth

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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 indispensable Cooperation with the United States would remain valuable but no longer indispensable. — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026 Each is indispensable in its own way, but the most indispensable is the chip’s passage through an ASML machine. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 For Richardson Electronics, the batteries becoming indispensable components of clean power stations are just one part of a diverse product portfolio. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indispensable

Adjective

For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Beginning in October 2023, the convention center also reportedly implemented additional new bird-safe measures, including closing drapes and blinds overnight and turning off non-essential exterior lights.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The current job climate is creating conditions where pushing past your limits may feel necessary for career survival.

— Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Successfully navigating those kinds of conflicts will be key if Sharma is to build up the authority and credibility necessary to get Xbox back on track.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

The agency said any contractor who has not completed required screening will not be authorized to perform mail-handling duties until those requirements are met.

— Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
If the council follows staff’s recommendation during its Wednesday meeting, the project would retain its current approvals, subject to the required conditions.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

Diesel is at an all-time high because of the war; every item in your grocery store was shipped there by truck and needed diesel.

— Serena Maria Daniels, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Communication breakdowns may leave patients unaware of available services, while a lack of referrals can keep them from receiving needed care.

— Marci Lee Nilsen, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of needed

Adjective

The incumbent senator acknowledged in a recent interview that the president’s visits to Kansas were vital to his reelection campaign.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Russia is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure – including vital energy systems – in Ukraine, an independent UN investigations panel said on Monday.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of vital

Browse Nearby Words

indiscriminating

indispensable

indisposed

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indispensable. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of indispensable

adjective

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