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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of necessity
Even if the sense of urgency might feel the same as ever, especially amid the Mahomes window of potential, the momentousness and sheer volume of necessities are singular.
—
Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
The foldover design of this grab-and-go clutch is complete with two zip pockets and a magnetic snap closure, which provides enough room for necessities, according to reviewers.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers are considering House Bill 5004 with about two dozen provisions aimed at modest but meaningful reforms at DCF, like providing more grants for families for necessities and the creation of an oversight committee that would make policy recommendations for future reform at the agency.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
The community is close, not out of concern but necessity — several families have to live together to keep warm.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
The foldover design of this grab-and-go clutch is complete with two zip pockets and a magnetic snap closure, which provides enough room for necessities, according to reviewers.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers are considering House Bill 5004 with about two dozen provisions aimed at modest but meaningful reforms at DCF, like providing more grants for families for necessities and the creation of an oversight committee that would make policy recommendations for future reform at the agency.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
The community is close, not out of concern but necessity — several families have to live together to keep warm.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessity
Noun
-
Under the bill, Human Services would be tasked with developing rules around everything from training and background checks to treatment plans, staffing ratios, reporting requirements, and building safety.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
However, the bill to remove some vaccine requirements that appeared in this year’s legislative session failed to advance.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nearly a quarter of New Orleans residents live in poverty, and the prospect of a substantial windfall for a few hours’ work apparently outweighed any fear of getting into a car that was about to take part in a high-speed accident.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Today, about 33% of residents live in poverty.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Parker House rolls are a must, as is the corn agnolotti made with blue crab, saffron, and brown butter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Lunch at the Peller Estates winery, producer of the best wine in Canada, is a must.—
Kalpana Fitzpatrick,
TheWeek,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The show is a propulsive hurricane of misery and cringe, from the violent incident that sets off this series of unfortunate events to the twists and horrors that unfold.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
-
But putting all that effort toward something that’s not real weighs on him, and Isaac’s taut encapsulation of misery compliments a series that feeds on tension.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessity. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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