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
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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
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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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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essential
Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
But the information is essential to understanding the chain of events that led to Good’s killing.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
There are few wardrobe essentials as timeless or versatile as one of the best button-down shirts for women.
—Avery Matera, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Roamwell Essential Travel Medicine When stopover travel takes you across multiple countries, a travel-friendly medicine kit is essential.
—Noun
The main compartment easily fits shirts, pants, and jackets, while there are three separate compartments for shoes, tech, and smaller travel essentials.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
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The moratorium, which was confirmed by the league, was necessary because the sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement or an extension of the current one by Friday night’s deadline.—
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The moratorium, which was confirmed by the league, was necessary because the sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement or an extension of the current one by Friday night's deadline.—
Adjective
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At that point, the operator would recite the most intimate details of a patient’s health history to hook her before launching into a few basic screening questions.—
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Ross argued that allowing local police to provide basic crowd control — rather than restricting coordination — could have reduced risks during recent confrontations.—
Adjective
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Win on third down Extending drives on offense and cutting them short on defense will be integral.—
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Greenland holds strategic importance Greenland had been a colony of the Danish kingdom for hundreds of years, becoming an integral part in 1953.—
Noun
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The best-selling Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adapter, now 50 percent off, is a must for hands-free convenience in the car.—
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Gallery Wall Wood Frame Set If your resolution includes finally framing photos that have been hiding in your phone for months, this set is a must.—
Adjective
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The victim was taken to the hospital with two stab wounds to her back, and cuts on her arm and hand that authorities say required stitches, per prosecutors.—
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Families and participants are responsible only for transportation to the adventure locations and for obtaining any required hunting or fishing licenses.—
Adjective
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There, everyone comes and goes on longboats that have awnings, a row of rudimentary seats, and a small outboard motor.—
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The medical system provides only the most rudimentary care, and hospitals have little to no medicine.—
Adjective
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The risks inherent in the LBO structure are exacerbated by the amount of debt PSKY must incur, its current financial position and future prospects, as well as the lengthy period to close the transaction – which PSKY itself estimates to be 12-18 months following signing.—
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Seen through this lens, every person possesses inherent dignity and value.—
Noun
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Both are qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification activities.—
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AHPs were once far more accessible, but that changed with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which required many AHPs to comply with coverage requirements that drove up AHPs’ costs.—
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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