indispensable

adjective

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
Definition of indispensablenext
as in essential
impossible to do without fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 indispensable Prince William, the strategist, is making the monarchy indispensable for the next 50 years. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 For nearly 100 years, Deer Path Inn, with its Tudor-style façade, nostalgic wood paneling, original artwork, and cozy interior, has been an indispensable landmark on Chicago’s North Shore. — Wendy Altschuler, Travel + Leisure, 2 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 See All Example Sentences for indispensable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indispensable
  1. essential
  2. necessary
  3. integral
  4. required
  5. needed
  6. needful
  7. vital
Adjective
  • One of those arrangements just survived Supreme Court review as essential to the integrity of the number.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Rafael Pelli, Pelli’s son and a partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners, told The Art Newspaper that the natural environment surrounding the center was an essential element in its design.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The district court order would still allow below-ground construction or any other measures necessary to protect national security and the president's safety.
    — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Jack Reacher, protagonist of books by Lee Child and an ongoing Amazon drama, has several characteristics integral to his Jack Reacher-ness.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The strong winds not only carry the sensation of discomfort, but also serendipitously become an integral character of the film.
    — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of integral
Adjective
  • What didn’t pan out nearly so well was all the required documentation.
    — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The coalition's suit claims that Watson has not completed the required historical significance report, which could allow a two-year moratorium on potentially tearing down the building to expire in March 2027.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The Kalshi conundrum Unlike some of the other companies that oversee affiliated trading arms, Kalshi has suggested in public statements that its corporate sibling exists solely to add needed liquidity in thin markets.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Jackie helps Cole with the UT stuff and Cole helps Jackie just get out of her shell and live life a little bit, which is so needed.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of needed
Adjective
  • Her voice is slurred, needful, abject.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
  • That image of God never has a problem, never has a disease, never lacks anything needful or truly desirable, and has never sinned.
    — Douglas Sytsma, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
Definition of needful
Adjective
  • Today, toilets are often considered a vital part of overall bathroom design, with companies like American Standard putting more emphasis on design elements and color options.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, Arteta has admitted that the inclusion of Smith Rowe in the 2020-21 season played a vital role in allowing the fans and the team to click.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of vital

Browse Nearby Words

indiscriminating
indispensable
indisposed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indispensable. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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