Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for necessary. Search instead for necessaires.
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.

This method of storage also allows you to use only the necessary amount of garlic for each recipe without having to thaw an entire batch and then re-freeze it.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Cycling campaigners accused Stormont of "superficial engagement", but DfI said a monitoring exercise "will proceed once the necessary arrangements are in place".

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

It had overbuilt its retail footprint with flagship stores, in many cases larger than necessary, in the most prestigious shopping districts around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

“Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, especially in their homes, and we will continue to deploy the resources necessary to keep people safe.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

They were part of the effort to keep the Germans away from the Soviet oil fields, which were so necessary to keep the gears of industry moving.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing necessary

Commonly Misspelled Words, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Workshop 3, Part 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!