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
Those communication skills, Henderson knows, are essential to helping coordinate the back end of MSU’s defense like Willis, who started the past two seasons and got exposure as a true freshman as well. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Xavier Henderson might be Michigan State's next Khari Willis, but different," 16 Aug. 2019 Ensuring access to respite services is essential to protecting caregivers’ health. — Bobby Antalek, The Mercury News, "Opinion: Bay Area caregivers will become casualties without needed support," 15 Aug. 2019 The former Oregon State and NFL offensive lineman takes over that unit in Tucson, with a sense of urgency looming: The Wildcats must maximize Khalil Tate’s talent in his final season, and the offensive front is essential to that process. — Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Pac-12 team previews: Arizona could get off to fast start, but finish is dastardly (game-by-game predictions)," 15 Aug. 2019 Pinpointing the host galaxies is essential to cracking the mystery of what causes FRBs. — Elizabeth Gibney, Scientific American, "Astronomers Closer to Cracking Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts," 15 Aug. 2019 That was essential to getting the TerraMar Project off the ground. — Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, "Whatever Happened to Ghislaine Maxwell’s Plan to Save the Oceans?," 14 Aug. 2019 The harborside location is essential to the operations. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Ocean City’s Shark on the Harbor puts the focus on Maryland seafood and produce," 8 Aug. 2019 Deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, drought, and rising temperatures are interconnected, the report shows—and rapid, large-scale change is essential to preventing the worst impacts of the climate crisis. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "To combat climate change, cities need to tackle sprawl," 8 Aug. 2019 Entercom, one of the biggest US radio corporations, thinks podcasts are essential to the future of audio. — Ashley Carman, The Verge, "Another major radio station conglomerate thinks podcasts are the future," 7 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
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 2019 Related Expert tips and 10 essentials for staying safe in the wilderness Asia Fields: afields@seattletimes.com; on Twitter: @asiakmfields. — Asia Fields, The Seattle Times, "Hiker found dead on Snow Lake trail after apparent slip, fall off cliff," 10 July 2019 Some essentials include a sofa, coffee table, side chairs or tables. — Ap Mcclatchy, The Mercury News, "Tips for creating an outdoor entertaining space for summer," 27 June 2019 As the new exclusives for each service start to become more like viewing essentials, the price will either be the same or more than a traditional cable bill. — Dan Reilly, Fortune, "'The Office' Is Leaving Netflix and Your Streaming Bills Will Keep Piling Up," 26 June 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.