as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
money's tight, so we'll have to skip nonessential purchases
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in extravagance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of nonessential
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
If Congress cannot reach a compromise by December 20, however, there will be a government shutdown, and all nonessential government functions must stop.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Participants have also been asked to not spend any money on gas or at major retailers, and not to use their credit or debit cards for any nonessential spending.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
With nonessential federal employees given the day off, most government offices such as courthouses, Department of Motor Vehicles, and public schools and libraries are closed on Presidents Day.
—Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Adjective
Since then, the school has laid off at least 100 employees and undergone budget cuts and a freeze on hiring and nonessential spending.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
If Congress cannot reach a compromise by December 20, however, there will be a government shutdown, and all nonessential government functions must stop.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Participants have also been asked to not spend any money on gas or at major retailers, and not to use their credit or debit cards for any nonessential spending.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
With nonessential federal employees given the day off, most government offices such as courthouses, Department of Motor Vehicles, and public schools and libraries are closed on Presidents Day.
—Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonessential
Adjective
-
Be prepared for a communication breakdown — text messages may not make it to the right person, your plans may get completely derailed and all that fiery energy might translate into unnecessary confrontations or snap decisions.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Too often, redesigns happen simply for the sake of change — unnecessary, expensive and often worse than what came before.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the Mill Basin house failed to sell quickly, and with each price chop, there were headlines mocking its design, its extravagance, its connection to Rosatti.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Recession-core is the theory that fashion trends not only reflect but also predict economic downturns, with minimalism and the absence of extravagance signaling economic flux.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The mise-en-scène of a humble working-class neighborhood in Rome, replete with a sprawling ensemble cast and many extras, convincingly transports viewers into the look and feel of the post-World War II era as Italians try to redefine themselves in the aftermath of fascism.—
Beandrea July,
IndieWire,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Some are expressing concern about their ability to save or buy extras, the poll found.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The images aren’t only stripped of superfluities; they’re hermetically sealed off from anything that could impinge from offscreen ...—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
25 Dec. 2024
-
The images aren’t only stripped of superfluities; they’re hermetically sealed off from anything that could impinge from offscreen, from the world at large.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
So far, she’s traveled to almost 50 countries, experiencing fine hospitality and dining as a luxury travel writer.—
Tabnie Dozier,
Essence,
14 Mar. 2025
-
For the French luxury fashion label’s fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection show on Tuesday, Cabello wore a tweed suit.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
All proceeds from the collection were dedicated to supporting veterans and military families, a philanthropic throughline that added weight to the evening’s indulgence.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
17 Mar. 2025
-
In a minor act of indulgence, Lauren signs herself up for a commercials acting class overseen by the prickly and imperious Liz (Gaby Hoffmann, one of many faces familiar from Transparent).—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonessential. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share