Definition of necessary
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: absolutely needed : required
Food is necessary for life.
2a
: of an inevitable nature : inescapable
Death is a necessary feature of the human condition.
b(1)
: logically unavoidable
a necessary conclusion
(2)
: that cannot be denied without contradiction
c
: determined or produced by the previous condition of things
the necessary outcome of the affair
d
: compulsory
Taking the oath of obedience is necessary.
necessary
noun
plural necessaries
Definition of necessary (Entry 2 of 2)
: an indispensable item : essential
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for necessary
The first known use of necessary was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century