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
Cutting spending wasted on a futile pursuit of a global empire is not just a fiscal necessity.
—
Ron Paul, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
According to a 2022 New York Times report, the UK's historically mild summers meant that cooling systems were never seen as a necessity.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Not only has the piece become a necessity for me, but the modern, all-white design is a welcome addition that adds an elevated touch to my space.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 18 May 2025
Drinking Water Obviously, water is always a necessity, but flooding associated with heavy rains can also cause a boil order, so having something to drink is essential during and potentially after a storm.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Ron Paul, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
According to a 2022 New York Times report, the UK's historically mild summers meant that cooling systems were never seen as a necessity.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Not only has the piece become a necessity for me, but the modern, all-white design is a welcome addition that adds an elevated touch to my space.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 18 May 2025
Drinking Water Obviously, water is always a necessity, but flooding associated with heavy rains can also cause a boil order, so having something to drink is essential during and potentially after a storm.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessity
Noun
-
Apart from those violations, the CPSC says the swings also fail to meet mandatory warning requirements required to inform parents of the risks of death or serious injury to infants.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Many college students also would be unable to access the Pell Grant under the bill, as Republicans are asking to increase the full-time enrollment requirement to 30 semester hours from 24 semester hours each academic year.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
It’s been 14 years since the Census Bureau began issuing reports on poverty that factored in the cost of living.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 May 2025
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Those who qualify have income at or below four times the federal poverty level of $32,150 for a family of four or have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
With Chrome attackers looking to bypass 2FA protections, and compromise passwords, proactive defensive measures are a must.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Our main takeaway: comfy travel outfits are a must.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Noun
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The Best Clothing Box Photograph: Stitch Fix Stitch Fix Kids Clothes Box $16 Stitch Fix As my kids have gotten older, shopping for their clothes has become a misery.—
Adrienne So,
Wired News,
17 May 2025
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The value of the Syrian currency plummeted during the civil war years, adding to the misery.—
Raja Abdulrahim,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessity. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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