I. adjective
1.
Synonyms: inherent , congenital, connate, constitutional, deep-seated, elemental, inborn, inbred, innate, intrinsic
Contrasted words: conditional, contingent, dependent
Antonyms: accidental
2.
so important to the nature and essence of a thing as to be indispensable
the essential ingredient in this medicine is a new drug
Synonyms: cardinal, constitutive, fundamental, vital
Related Word: basal, basic, underlying; capital, chief, foremost, leading, main, principal; primal, primary, prime
Contrasted words: dependent, secondary, subordinate; accessory, auxiliary, contributory, subsidiary
3.
Synonyms: elemental 1, basic, elementary, fundamental, primitive, substratal, underlying
4.
urgently required
raw materials essential to industry
Synonyms: imperative, indispensable, necessary, necessitous, prerequisite
Related Word: needed, needful; required, requisite, wanted; right-hand; vital
Contrasted words: dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unrequired, unwanted
Antonyms: nonessential
II. noun
1.
something that forms part of the minimal body, character, or structure of a thing
prosperity is an essential of the good life
Synonyms: basic, element, fundamental, part and parcel, rudiment
Related Word: essence, stuff, substance; must, necessary, prerequisite, sine qua non
2.
something necessary, required, or unavoidable
work was an essential to survival
Synonyms: condition, must, necessity, precondition, prerequisite, requirement, requisite, sine qua non
Idioms: name of the game