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.

No injuries were reported following the drone strike but officials said they had taken "all necessary measures" to ensure public safety.

From BBC

France, Germany, Italy and three others say the move is necessary, but Luxembourg and Ireland have expressed reservations.

From Barron's

Translation: Is the IRS borrowing your money interest-free longer than necessary?

From MarketWatch

Afterwards, her office confirmed it was in contact with Malta and willing to help where necessary.

From Barron's

It's necessary because international calls into Iran are blocked.

From BBC