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noun

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an essential role
a necessary role
a crucial role
an imperative role
a vital role
an integral role
essential information
critical information
fundamental information
useful information
primary information
precious information
an essential element
a key element
a requisite element
a major element
a main element
an important element

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
They were often found handing out doughnuts to essential workers in 2020 and 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2025 Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Noun
And while there are no drawers or additional shelves, a few divided compartments are within the desk’s body to keep your daily essentials close by. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025 The quarter-zip baselayer is one of my fall camping essentials. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
  • But policy continuity is key to attracting the foreign investment necessary to realize these goals.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
  • This can lead you to eat fewer calories and create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for fat loss.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The drones and their release systems had to be tested in these demanding conditions to validate their ability to carry out the basic components of the mission.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The basic premise was that given the seriousness of the issues at hand, the heads of State themselves needed to work out a coordinated strategy.
    Robert Hormats, Time, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Becoming Prepared For Tomorrow AI is no longer a frontier test technology but is becoming an integral part of engineering excellence.
    Srinivasa Rao Bittla, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • At the same time, news is still an integral part of most people’s entertainment diet.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • In these turbulent times learning how to manage disputes is a must.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 12 June 2025
  • Trader Joe's mini sheet cakes are a must for many shoppers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Enacted after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the SEVP rules and certification process were intended to encourage schools to report when students dropped out or no longer maintained a required courseload and to remove fraudulent or illegitimate schools.
    Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • This comes to a head when he is faced with the F.A.A.’s required medical questionnaire.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perry’s boxing skills were far too rudimentary for Paul and he was stopped in the sixth round.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Though being able to identify and pursue targets can make even a rudimentary swarm more dangerous, the ability to soak up the defender’s data, share that information with other drones and adjust based on what’s happening on the battlefield is far more lethal.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • In theory, that should smooth some of the rough edges inherent to a first-time starting quarterback.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • And this fact is unrelated to another fact: Israel unequivocally has an inherent right to exist.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • In the best of circumstances, introducing a work requirement would take meticulous planning and investment.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
  • This would be Whitson’s second trip on an Axiom mission to the ISS, and part of NASA’s requirement that former NASA astronaut command commercial mission visits to the ISS.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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