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Showing results for necessary. Search instead for necessary/2.
Definitions

necessary

[nes-uh-ser-ee] / ˈnɛs əˌsɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
essential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic crucial decisive essential fundamental imperative indispensable mandatory needed paramount required significant unavoidable urgent vital
STRONG
binding cardinal chief expedient prerequisite pressing prime principal requisite
WEAK
all-important bottom-line compelling compulsory de rigueur elementary exigent incumbent on momentous must-have name of game needful obligatory quintessential specified wanted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional extra inessential minor nonessential optional secondary trivial unimportant unnecessary voluntary
STRONG
insignificant
WEAK
contingent needless useless
ADJECTIVE
inevitable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
certain imminent unavoidable
WEAK
assured fated ineluctable ineludible inerrant inescapable inevasible inexorable infallible returnless undeniable unescapable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubtful
WEAK
contingent inessential needless optional unimportant unnecessary useless voluntary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A sixth and final draft, seen by AFP, greenlights member states -- either unilaterally or as "voluntary multinational naval partnerships" -- to use "all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Semiconductors will also be necessary for other related technology, such as user terminals.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Although it appeared to acknowledge the server had been taken down, it said that was necessary for the backup to be restored.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Little elaboration is necessary regarding the Miracle Mets of ’69.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

With civilians doing this unglamorous but necessary transport work, Britain’s fighter and bomber pilots could concentrate on flying into battle against the Luftwaffe, the fearsome second-to-none German Air Force.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.