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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essential
Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025
The formula achieves this by providing a crucial balance of protein and moisture, which are the essential building blocks of healthy hair.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
One-party control placed more importance on growing the size of government and creating new programs than on funding the essentials like K-12 education, health care, roads, and public safety.
—Barbara Kirkmeyer, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Drive slow: This one is a no-brainer, but essential for keeping everyone safe.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025
The formula achieves this by providing a crucial balance of protein and moisture, which are the essential building blocks of healthy hair.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Many girls bring rush bags from house to house full of the essentials — mints, bobby pins, dry shampoo, hairspray, oil blotting sheets, perfume, fans, portable phone chargers, Advil, floss and deodorant.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
One-party control placed more importance on growing the size of government and creating new programs than on funding the essentials like K-12 education, health care, roads, and public safety.
—Barbara Kirkmeyer, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Nelson and Cavell questioned why rule changes were necessary if Woodward already removed them from the committee positions.—
Dave Boucher,
Freep.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Why the higher price may not be necessary: Local adaptation: Sometimes a plant grown by a small local nursery (unbranded) will actually perform better, since it’s been propagated and grown under your region’s conditions.—
Paul Cappiello,
The Courier-Journal,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This order does nothing more than uphold the basic requirements designed to fulfil those promises.—
Anna Commander
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
-
More than two-thirds of television workers – 68% – report difficulty covering basic living expenses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Fashion and personal style are an integral part of the tennis world.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
President Trump's focus on U.S. chip manufacturing is driving historic investments in a vital industry that is integral to the country's economic and national security.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Tour Southeastern’s Campus Hammond is a college town, so visiting Southeastern Louisiana University is a must.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
-
If magnetic charging is a must, the Pixel is for you.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Even under this more limited framework, employers would need to carefully track where and how interactive systems are used and ensure that required disclosures are delivered clearly and consistently.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
For the 2024-25 school year, a record share of incoming kindergartners had an exemption for a required vaccine, most often for personal or religious reasons, CDC data shows.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Those humans who were good at it, even in its most rudimentary forms, would have a real advantage.—
Elissa Strauss,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Stewart then invited a rudimentary, hand puppet version of Elmo to join him on the show.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, the reality is that the inherent inflexibility of immutability is essential to ensuring business resiliency and provides the invaluable peace of mind that comes with knowing data will always be there, ready to be recovered, no matter what.—
David Bennett,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Back then a storm similar to Hurricane Erin, which parallelled the East Coast in mid-August 2025, would have likely prompted meteorologists to warn the entire coast of a possible hurricane hit because of the inherent uncertainty in forecasts.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Among the recommendations listed: streamlining the design and construction requirements.—
Miguel Chacon,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The requirements and safety standards are stringent.—
River Selby
August 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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