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.

After about 72 hours, manual intervention becomes necessary.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

But should it become necessary to defend the honor of the Empire, a chrome button on the steering wheel activates Infinity Mode.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Bahrain had brought a resolution that, according to the final draft seen by AFP, greenlights member states 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

The rope yanked me off the ground, and I screamed louder than necessary, to attract the trolls.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

necessary

Example Sentences

Related Words