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Showing results for necessary. Search instead for necessari.
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.

But Iran’s downing of two U.S. aircraft on Friday suggests that longer-range weapons may still be necessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

McLaren said the delay in instructors being given the necessary information could impact negatively on the profession.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

The director of the Lebanese Italian Hospital told the NNA that it would "remain open to provide the necessary medical care" despite the damage.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

No fire necessary to heat this water up!

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

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