essential

1 of 2

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
Synonyms of essentialnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent
2
a
: of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary
an essential requirement for admission to college
b
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids
see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2
3
: idiopathic
essential disease
essential hypertension
essentialness
i-ˈsen(t)-shəl-nəs How to pronounce essential (audio)
noun

essential

2 of 2

noun

1
: something basic
the essentials of astronomy
2
: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

Synonyms

Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for essential

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This type of human-machine collaboration is essential for unlocking new levels of performance without requiring a complete overhaul of existing operations. — Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The bulk of the day would be musical, but the recognition of the Haight’s roots in Beat poetry was essential. — Dennis McNally, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Add these accessories to your bird-watching essentials. — Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links., FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 The Clinic-Carry On kit is a cure-all travel kit that includes essentials like lipid-repair moisturizers in compact sizes tailored for air travel and climate changes. — Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of essential was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing essential

Rhymes for essential

See All Rhymes for essential

Browse Nearby Words

essentia
essential
essential amino acid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

essential

1 of 2 adjective
es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
1
: forming or belonging to the essence
free speech is an essential right of citizenship
2
: containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence
essential oils
3
: important in the highest degree : necessary
food is essential to life
essentiality
-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē
noun
essentially
-ˈsench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce essential (audio)
adverb
essentialness
-ˈsen-chəl-nəs How to pronounce essential (audio)
noun

essential

2 of 2 noun
: something basic, necessary, or indispensable
the essentials for success

Medical Definition

essential

adjective
es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
1
: being, relating to, or containing an essence
an essential odor
2
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
The body converts linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that makes up 60 percent of corn oil—into arachidonic acid.— Janet Raloff, Science News
see essential amino acid compare nonessential
3
: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic
essential disease

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Nglish: Translation of essential for Spanish Speakers

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