Synonyms for

Necessary

Verb / ˈnesʌˌseri: / Another word for necessary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

needed to achieve a particular result or effect; required

Synonyms & similar words

essential inessential unnecessary necessity requirement requisite required essential needed vital crucial indispensable mandatory requisite compulsory obligatory prerequisite needed wanted desirable important crucial pivotal paramount key critical

Synonyms by register

Formal

essential requisite indispensable obligatory

Informal

needed gotta have must-have key

Literary

vital paramount

Antonyms

unnecessary optional superfluous unessential dispensable redundant

Common collocations

  • necessary evil
  • necessary condition
  • necessary step
  • necessary for
  • necessary to have
  • absolutely necessary
  • become necessary

Word family

noun necessity
verb necessitate
adjective necessary
adverb necessarily

Usage note

Often used with 'to' followed by a verb or 'for' followed by a noun. Be careful not to confuse with 'sufficient'.

Example sentences

  1. It is necessary to brush your teeth twice a day.
  2. A passport is necessary to travel to a foreign country.
  3. It is necessary to study for the test.
  4. It is necessary to drink water to stay healthy.
  5. A good education is necessary for success.

Quotes

  • Necessity is the mother of invention.
  • Necessity never made a good bargain.
  • Necessity is a hard master.

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