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
Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Gaia explains that the Merlot vineyards planted almost 30 years ago no longer offer the consistency necessary to produce their top end wine.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 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
The college experience was marked by rupture, the sometimes messy yet necessary transition from dependence to independence.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Gaia explains that the Merlot vineyards planted almost 30 years ago no longer offer the consistency necessary to produce their top end wine.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
Latinos are necessaries for the North American community.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessary
Adjective
-
This summer, Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission passed regulations that designated some sections fly-only and required anglers to pinch their barbs.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Chamber argues that the fee was imposed without congressional approval or required rulemaking, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The goal to come was inevitable.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Advertisement Aging was considered inevitable.—
Dominique Mosbergen,
Time,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These measures arise as essential staff—particularly air traffic controllers—have been working without paychecks.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Vitamin D receptor genes play an essential role in calcium absorption.—
Trang Tran,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must, as is a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument to stand beneath towering, centuries-old redwoods.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
-
After shifting power to the people—like a year-plus bus boycott can do, for example—and getting the government to lessen its corruption, cruelty, injustice or violence, defending those gains is a must.—
Michael Shank,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Congress failed to pass a budget or temporary funding measure before the federal fiscal year ended on October 1, forcing many federal agencies to cease all non-mandatory operations.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Having initially faced 20 years in jail, the additional indictments raised his possible jail term to 45 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Since last Thursday, Disney has run public messages notifying YouTube TV customers of a possible blackout.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
An additional 1 to 2 inches is possible today over portions of Hispaniola.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Chiefs were terrific in short-yardage situations, powering for the needed 1 or 2 yards — and this was true even after right guard Trey Smith left the game and was replaced by Mike Caliendo in the second quarter.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The Wolves want to preserve his legs for the playoffs and give Dillingham some needed run.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Qualls will face regular work reporting requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, as well as the quarterly wage checks that Louisiana Medicaid already conducts.—
NPR,
NPR,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The chief appraiser then ensures each of the nominees are in good standing with the property tax code’s requirements.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessary. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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