1
as in required
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
an emissions test is necessary before you can renew the registration for your car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inevitable
impossible to avoid or evade
taxes will always be a necessary evil
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in essential
impossible to do without
food and water are necessary for survival
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
a modest income that provided the family with only the necessaries of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of necessary
ABC News,
3 July 2026
These remain necessary disciplines, but hyperconnected systems do not fail in isolated ways.
—
Akhilesh Sharma,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
12 Apr. 2025
Among other necessaries will be Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor separating Gaza from Egypt, to ensure that Hamas can’t resupply itself with weapons.
—
Bret Stephens,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessary
Adjective
Venturini said the money is necessary to clean and maintain the city.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
These remain necessary disciplines, but hyperconnected systems do not fail in isolated ways.
—
Akhilesh Sharma,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Noun
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia there were several such necessaries on the grounds.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
12 Apr. 2025
Among other necessaries will be Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor separating Gaza from Egypt, to ensure that Hamas can’t resupply itself with weapons.
—
Bret Stephens,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessary
Adjective
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The required Biblical passages and stories impact elementary, middle and high school levels and will take effect in the 2030-2031 school year.
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Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
Adjective
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On the one hand, this does seem inevitable, both in terms of industry direction and the desire to cut costs however possible.
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When its inevitable end arrives, the sun’s core will exhaust the last traces of hydrogen fuel and kick off the first stellar death pangs.
Adjective
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Constant vigilance and education around water safety is essential.
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Caftans are the underrated summer essential that bring breezy, effortless glamour to beach days, brunches, and evening plans alike.
Noun
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Shrimp and mussels are a must for her seafood paella, though the queen of home cooking has also used lobster in the past.
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While breakfast and lunch are first-come, first-serve, for dinner a reservation is a must.
Adjective
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Bring recess back as a mandatory part of the school schedule.
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The ruling also reflected Sotomayor’s reasoning that owners and players were still bargaining in good faith and that salary policies were mandatory subjects of bargaining.
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
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The idea behind the lunch- and afternoon tea–only restaurant is to waste as little as possible.
Adjective
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As interest in Tesla’s electric passenger vehicles wanes, the company is betting on the truck to give it a needed boost.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who less than a week ago declared a state of emergency in his country following weeks of anti-government protests, said his country stood ready to provide any needed assistance.
Noun
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With low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround, Gripen provides an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain, according to the company.
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DAFs carry no legal payout requirement — the dollars are irrevocably committed to charity, but on no particular schedule.
Cite this Entry
“Necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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