1
as in requirement
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
on any road trip, accurate maps are a necessity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
two years of unemployment had reduced the family to abject necessity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of necessity
Even in the midst of war, diplomacy can still make room for necessity.
—
Comfort Ero, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Those who haven’t purchased trip insurance, can’t avoid the flight or have to travel out of necessity are going to be doing a lot of hand-wringing before the airport.
—Beth Collums, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite numerous complaints to health inspectors from elderly people that Salmos 23 left them wanting the most basic necessities — like toilet paper — DCF chose it as a refuge over hundreds of other homes.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Studies consistently find that people spend the money on necessities and end up better off.
—Benjamin F. Henwood, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Comfort Ero, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Those who haven’t purchased trip insurance, can’t avoid the flight or have to travel out of necessity are going to be doing a lot of hand-wringing before the airport.
—Beth Collums, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite numerous complaints to health inspectors from elderly people that Salmos 23 left them wanting the most basic necessities — like toilet paper — DCF chose it as a refuge over hundreds of other homes.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Studies consistently find that people spend the money on necessities and end up better off.
—Benjamin F. Henwood, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessity
Noun
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Sachs said additional data about Idahoans would likely have to be collected to fulfill the requirements.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2026
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The substitute also allows for the state to request a hardship waiver, something that was blocked under the original bill, from the community engagement requirements for counties with high unemployment, greater than 8% or one-and-a-half times higher than the national rate.—
Keely Doll,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Why is there the perpetual erosion of our environment, and things like poverty, famine, homelessness and hatred and division?—
Kevin Powell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Most of the health center's patients live at or below the federal poverty level — currently $33,000 for a family of four.—
Samantha Liss,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Parents said the historical significance of the moment made attending the watch party a must.—
Samantha Chaney,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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If your family is gathering for Easter brunch, cheese grits are a must.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In that case, misery turned into something less miserable (at least until the start of the playoffs).—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
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Two decades of misery In truth, Italy started the game on top, scoring in the 15th minute through Fiorentina forward Moise Kean to set up what should have been a smooth, routine win.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessity. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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