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.

When something goes wrong, the necessary skills to intervene may no longer be available.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

For celebrated US mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, taking on the piece at the current time was necessary.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 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

Analysts have warned of shortages of fertilizer, necessary for farming, and helium, a critical component for medical machinery and chip production.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“So yes, it’s okay and in fact necessary to walk away from a toxic family member. You’re worthy of love and having a life of your own.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

necessary

Example Sentences

Related Words