SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

if necessary

idiom
Save Word

Definition of if necessary

: if it is needed Apply another coat of paint if necessary.

Learn More About if necessary

Dictionary Entries Near if necessary

if money

if necessary

if need be

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for if necessary

Cite this Entry

“If necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20necessary. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

Listen to the pronunciation of nonpareil

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Word Does Not Belong?

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games