1
as in requirement
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
on any road trip, accurate maps are a necessity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
two years of unemployment had reduced the family to abject necessity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of necessity
Her family is participating in No Buy July, a growing trend on social media that encourages consumers to only buy the necessities and refrain from buying what is not needed.
—
Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Smith outlines the critical necessity for a Black feminist literary practice that takes Black women’s experiences, aesthetics, and political conditions as central rather than marginal.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Left-leaning public radio and TV are not a necessity.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 July 2025
If companies cut costs elsewhere, notably through layoffs, then unemployment could spike, making a rate cut a necessity.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Smith outlines the critical necessity for a Black feminist literary practice that takes Black women’s experiences, aesthetics, and political conditions as central rather than marginal.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Left-leaning public radio and TV are not a necessity.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 July 2025
If companies cut costs elsewhere, notably through layoffs, then unemployment could spike, making a rate cut a necessity.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessity
Noun
-
In 2024, the Biden administration proposed expanding parole in place to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens who met certain requirements, such as having lived in the country for a minimum number of years.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
19 July 2025
-
Hegseth wrote in the letter that the move would not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or any other military requirements, per NJ Spotlight News.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
-
People who make less than 400% of the federal poverty level will still receive financial support, but it will be reduced.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Boat rides on Lake Como are a must, and Zucchi recommends always traveling with a scarf because things can get choppy and windy.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
-
Healthcare is among the best in South America, especially in the larger cities, and far cheaper than in the U.S., but private insurance is a must.—
William P. Barrett,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
That simplistic assessment would not account for the first student’s misery or the second child’s enjoyment.—
Iddo Gefen,
Twin Cities,
16 July 2025
-
Forced to comply with stereotypical African-American misery, Burnett works best outside Hollywood formula.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessity. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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