indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
Synonyms of indispensable
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
is indispensable to the team
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability
ˌin-di-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness
ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun
indispensably
ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of indispensable

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Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
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.
Here are three indispensable Zen Leadership strategies that apply the principles of Bodyfulness to leading with greater resilience, joy and impact. — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Over two decades, Rodríguez established herself as one of Chavismo’s indispensable figures. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026 For me and other DIY video makers, his music was indispensable. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Military bloggers also have denounced the crackdown, arguing the app is an indispensable communications tool for Russian troops in Ukraine and for activists running crowdfunding campaigns to help Moscow’s forces. — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Rhymes for indispensable

See All Rhymes for indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

indispensability
indispensable
indispensableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability
-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party

More from Merriam-Webster on indispensable

Nglish: Translation of indispensable for Spanish Speakers

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