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
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
What is necessary for a successful religious accommodation request is sincerity, Paul told USA TODAY.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Latinos are necessaries for the North American community.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessary
Adjective
The union says this request is necessary in order to avoid safety risks to its workers.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
What is necessary for a successful religious accommodation request is sincerity, Paul told USA TODAY.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Noun
Among other necessaries will be Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor separating Gaza from Egypt, to ensure that Hamas can’t resupply itself with weapons.
—Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Latinos are necessaries for the North American community.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessary
Adjective
-
The storefront was small but required grueling work, often keeping him away from his wife, Lynda, and their four children.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
From Visibility To Observability The required shift is from visibility to observability.—
John Pritchard,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Tumi also offers a more high-end version at 31 percent off, featuring a wipeable lining for inevitable makeup leaks.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
Was that inevitable given her skills?—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Whether your plans include a day at the beach, sightseeing around a new city, or simply running errands, the right pair of pants can quickly become your go-to summer outfit essential.—
Kate Donovan,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
-
For instance, Nursing gig platforms have been found to pit essential workers against each other by offering shifts to those who bid the lowest hourly wage.—
Sarita Gupta,
Time,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
For breakfast, the Mai Tai flapjacks, served with Kula rum butter syrup, honey passionfruit foam, and island pineapple, are a must-order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Replacing the filter is a must.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
The drought led some local governments and utilities to implement mandatory water conservation measures including in Charlotte, Cabarrus, and Gaston County as reservoirs, streamflows and soil moisture declined.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Wherever possible, Arnold shot outside the studio, capturing her subjects going about their everyday lives — a radical approach for celebrity photography at the time.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Before Erceg entered the game in the ninth, the Royals gave KC’s bullpen some needed cushion.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2026
-
Weeks after the collapse of hometown Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways is doubling down on serving Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, giving Florida’s third-largest airport a needed boost.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
This veto aligns with Polis’ veto of a similar bill last year that featured a 48-hour warrant compliance requirement and stricter self-policing by the platforms.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
-
They were freed with the requirement that the mother and Habiba would wear ankle monitors and the family would appear for frequent check-ins.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessary. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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