Showing results for essential. Search instead for stay essential.

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.

Cardiff council said a difficult winter and essential work being carried out by third parties had caused weaknesses in the road which could have led to more potholes.

From BBC

Cell division is essential for all living organisms and depends on the coordinated activity of many proteins and regulatory components.

From Science Daily

Despite this reaction, these animals play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

From Science Daily

"Thanks to National Lottery players, Heritage Fund investment will support the project with essential restoration work and new interpretation panels to share the story and significance of the bridge."

From BBC

The 26-year-old has lost work already, as people cut back and make essential purchases only.

From Barron's

essential

Example Sentences

Related Words