Synonyms for

Essential

Adjective / eˈsenʃʌl / / i:ˈsenʃʌl / Another word for essential — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

Synonyms & similar words

inessential substantive indispensable requirement requisite necessary adjective necessity crucial crucial indispensable vital necessary fundamental key important primary integral pivotal critical paramount imperative basic radical core significant central essentiality necessity

Synonyms by register

Formal

crucial vital indispensable paramount

Informal

key main needed must-have

Literary

quintessential fundamental

Antonyms

unimportant superfluous nonessential optional secondary trivial dispensable

Common collocations

  • essential for
  • essential to
  • essential part
  • essential element
  • essential requirement
  • essential services
  • essential goods

Word family

noun essence
adjective essential
adverb essentially

Usage note

Often used with 'for' or 'to' to indicate what something is necessary for. 'Essential' implies something is absolutely necessary, not just helpful.

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Example sentences

  1. It is essential to brush your teeth every day.
  2. Food and water are essential for survival.
  3. The sun is an essential source of energy.
  4. Sleep is essential for good health.
  5. Air is essential for breathing.

Quotes

  • Patience is essential to daily life, and might be to the use of every talent and every instrument.
  • Friendship is an essential soil for the growth of intimacy and love.
  • Laughter is essential in life, and lies at the heart of good health and a healthy family.

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