Definitions

essential

[uh-sen-shuhl] / əˈsɛn ʃəl /

ADJECTIVE

important, vital

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crucial fundamental imperative important indispensable main necessary needed vital

STRONG

capital cardinal chief leading prerequisite principal requisite

WEAK

constitutive foremost must-have necessitous needful required right-hand wanted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

auxiliary extra inessential minor needless nonessential optional secondary subordinate trivial unimportant unnecessary voluntary

STRONG

inferior

WEAK

accessory atypical subsidiary

ADJECTIVE

basic, fundamental

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absolute constitutional elemental inherent intrinsic key main underlying

STRONG

cardinal cold ideal material nitty-gritty nub perfect primary prime primitive principal

WEAK

basal bottom-line complete congenital connate deep-seated elementary inborn inbred innate meat-and-potatoes quintessential substratal

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acquired extrinsic incidental inessential insignificant learned nonessential secondary unimportant

STRONG

flawed imperfect minor wrong

WEAK

accessory atypical auxiliary subsidiary

NOUN

necessity, basic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

condition element essence fundamental must precondition prerequisite principle requirement requisite

STRONG

ABCs groceries guts heart nitty-gritty quintessence rudiment stuff substance

WEAK

bottom line brass tacks fire and ice meat and potatoes name of the game nuts and bolts part and parcel sine qua non vital part where one's at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

extra

WEAK

accessory auxiliary nonessential subsidiary throwaway

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Working Remotely with Sensitive Data: If you handle confidential information or need to access company networks remotely, a VPN provides an essential security layer.

From Salon

That makes it all the more essential that we plan for financial independence in old age.

From MarketWatch

These small organic compounds are considered essential ingredients in more advanced chemical processes.

From Science Daily

The Welsh government said it "recognised that community pharmacies are an essential part of primary care".

From BBC

It added: "the US private sector will be essential to boost the oil sector, modernize the electric grid, and unlock Venezuela's enormous potential."

From Barron's

essential

Example Sentences

Related Words