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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inevitable
impossible to avoid or evade
taxes will always be a necessary evil
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of necessary
Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Federal officials say the flight reductions are a necessary and proactive measure to protect the integrity of the airspace while thousands of controllers continue working without pay.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Blakely has been charged with capital murder, while Washington is charged with child deprivation of necessaries with substantial harm.
—Warren Kulo | Wkulo@al.com, al, 19 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for necessary
Adjective
In the end, the scene was filmed in just two attempts — with the second necessary only because of a camera error.
—Noun
Latinos are necessaries for the North American community.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessary
Adjective
-
The victim was taken to the hospital with two stab wounds to her back, and cuts on her arm and hand that authorities say required stitches, per prosecutors.—
-
Families and participants are responsible only for transportation to the adventure locations and for obtaining any required hunting or fishing licenses.—
Adjective
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The fall of Pokrovsk – the strategic value of which has already been greatly diminished, but which would nevertheless represent the biggest win for Moscow since 2023 – now seems almost inevitable, according to those on the ground.—
-
This character of aberrance is what makes accidental surfing deaths seem inevitable—or, rather, inexorable, built into the subway’s force.—
Adjective
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The brain is composed mainly of fat, including omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol, which are essential for maintaining brain cell structure and function.—
-
That’s why investing in a plush, comfortable duvet insert or comforter is essential for creating a cozy oasis to start the new year off well-rested.—
Noun
-
The best-selling Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adapter, now 50 percent off, is a must for hands-free convenience in the car.—
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Gallery Wall Wood Frame Set If your resolution includes finally framing photos that have been hiding in your phone for months, this set is a must.—
Adjective
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The negotiations have been mired in disagreements over how mandatory water cuts should be divided among the states.—
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On the production of child pornography offense, Sayer faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison on each count.—
Adjective
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The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
-
Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
Adjective
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But Spoelstra said that even just two years in, and only 21, Ware already has exhibited some needed resilience.—
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Because of Prescott, the team’s front office should also have urgency to fix the defense and make needed additions.—
Noun
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Both are qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification activities.—
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AHPs were once far more accessible, but that changed with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which required many AHPs to comply with coverage requirements that drove up AHPs’ costs.—
Cite this Entry
“Necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessary. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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