not necessarily

phrase

: possibly but not certainly
—used to say that something is not definitely true
Seats in the front row are not necessarily the best.
"We're going to lose this game." "Not necessarily."

Examples of not necessarily in a Sentence

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.
Even odder is that many of the composers did not necessarily feel compelled to explore nationalist themes. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The goal is not necessarily to rank all 30 teams, but to group them into buyers, sellers and everyone stuck in between. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The strike authorization vote does not necessarily mean a strike will happen, but gives the union the option to call a strike if necessary, and is often used as a show of force amid negotiations. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 Return Wire Hangers to the Dry Cleaner Wire hangers are awkward to store and not necessarily the best for your clothes long term. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for not necessarily

Rhymes for not necessarily

See All Rhymes for not necessarily

Browse Nearby Words

not nearly
not necessarily
noto-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Not necessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20necessarily. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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