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
The inability to access basic necessities is their greatest concern.
—
Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The attacks have killed nearly 4,000 Iranians, caused more than $300 billion in economic damage and led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a significant amount of the world’s oil and other necessities such as fertilizer and natural gas.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
But the agricultural way of life is practical by necessity.
—Brian Blueskye, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Customers can bring their own containers or buy their own container at the store to refill on daily necessities like dish soap and shampoo.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The attacks have killed nearly 4,000 Iranians, caused more than $300 billion in economic damage and led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a significant amount of the world’s oil and other necessities such as fertilizer and natural gas.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
But the agricultural way of life is practical by necessity.
—Brian Blueskye, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Customers can bring their own containers or buy their own container at the store to refill on daily necessities like dish soap and shampoo.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for necessity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necessity
Noun
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The spokesperson noted that the pilot had completed all mandatory medical examinations in compliance with regulatory requirements and held a Class I medical certification.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The information provided is crucial in identifying whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The United Nations Development Programme reports that higher energy prices, disrupted food systems, and economic slowdowns triggered by the war could push up to thirty-two million people globally into poverty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
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The art world has been in a recession for 15 years, galleries are closing, young collectors are holding back, and artists trying to make it in the major market centers are living on the brink of poverty.—
Magnus Resch,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Cutting fresh corn from the cob is a must for these cheery summer pizzas.—
Hannah Agran,
Midwest Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Improving Penn for people is a must, but improving it for trains must happen as well.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The misery wrought by insurgents in largely ungoverned spaces will push people to flee.—
Ulf Laessing,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
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But complications can extend the misery well beyond the visible rash.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necessity. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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