essential
adjective
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Definition of essential
(Entry 1 of 2)
essential
nounDefinition of essential (Entry 2 of 2)
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Other Words from essential
Adjective
, -ˈsen(t)-shə- \
adverb
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for essential
Synonyms: Adjective
all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary, necessitous, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital
Synonyms: Noun
condition, demand, must, must-have, necessary, necessity, need, needful, requirement, requisite, sine qua non
Antonyms: Adjective
dispensable, inessential, needless, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded
Antonyms: Noun
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Examples of essential in a Sentence
Adjective
As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential. Free speech is an essential right of citizenship. The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much. There's no essential difference between the two products.Noun
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Cotton and Copper Air conditioning is essential in Arizona, and Cotton and Copper, located in south Tempe recently found out the hard way. — Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, azcentral, "Pizza, poke and steak: These 12 restaurants opened in metro Phoenix in August," 2 Sep. 2019 The set is closed, so there are really only the very, very essential people in the room. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Brigitte Lacombe Steps in Front of the Camera for Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales," 1 Sep. 2019 Contradictions, after all, are as essential an element of the Hamptons as sweet corn and farm stand tomatoes at $6 a pound. — New York Times, "Where to Show Off Your $5 Million Horse," 31 Aug. 2019 For many in Molokai, subsistence strategies such as fishing, hunting (mostly non-native axis deer), and small-scale farming have become economically essential. — Wade Graham, Smithsonian, "Why Molokai, With All Its Wonders, Is the Least Developed of Hawai’i’s Islands," 31 Aug. 2019 To see what is truly essential and to live with authenticity. — Jamie Swinnerton, Houston Chronicle, "Rev. Randall Trego leads with listening as director of spiritual care for Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital," 30 Aug. 2019 The agreement is the result of the commitment of both parties to take advantage of an infrastructure which is essential to bring natural gas to millions of Mexicans and the country’s industry. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Mexico reaches deal with pipeline operators, ending months-long stand off," 29 Aug. 2019 Drinking water and canned goods are essential to get through the aftermath of a storm. — Doreen Christensen, sun-sentinel.com, "Hurricane Dorian storm prep: Five things you need to buy at the grocery store now," 28 Aug. 2019 His power is essential, yet invisible; stimulating, not scorching. — Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, "The quiet brilliance of Kenan Thompson," 28 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The sun has grown brighter, volcanoes have erupted, asteroids have struck, and yet our planet has steadily maintained the right conditions for liquid water and carbon chemistry: the essentials of life. — NBC News, "Cyborgs will replace humans and remake the world, James Lovelock says," 25 Aug. 2019 Learn the essentials of popular coding languages CSS and HTML and create a working website by the end of the day. — Max Jungreis, BostonGlobe.com, "Weekend agenda," 8 Aug. 2019 Spring Tiny/Mini Hawks: The essentials of soccer, basketball and baseball are introduced in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. — courant.com, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 12 June 2019 Best Pre-Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals on Home & Kitchen Products Now through August 18, save 20% on back to school faves, like cleaning supplies and dorm essentials. — Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, "The Best Pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals of 2019," 2 Aug. 2019 Target's Anniversary Collection will feature select reissued pieces from each of the 20 past designer collaborations—ranging from apparel, accessories, home decor, and kitchen essentials—from 1999 on. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Target Is Celebrating 20 Years of Collaborations By Bringing Back Pieces From Designers Like Rodarte, Missoni, Lilly Pulitzer, and More," 2 Aug. 2019 Keep reading for 20 of the best items to shop at Farfetch right now—hurry, these awesome essentials won't be around for long. — SELF, "Sale Alert! This Colorful Activewear From Farfetch Will Jazz Up Your Closet," 26 July 2019 Your character may be tested in December when a new romance or a wild goose chase could distract you from essentials. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for July 16, 2019: Scorpio, discuss financial strategies with family; Aquarius, follow the leader," 16 July 2019 Wooded 1- to 2-acre country homesites at Belle Oaks give residents the best of both worlds — pure Hill Country living and proximity to city conveniences, with an H-E-B, Home Depot, and every day essentials just down the road. — Houston Chronicle, "Belle Oaks community is now open," 15 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'essential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.