necessarily

adverb

nec·​es·​sar·​i·​ly ˌne-sə-ˈser-ə-lē How to pronounce necessarily (audio)
Synonyms of necessarilynext
1
: of necessity : unavoidably
The audience was necessarily small.
This endeavor necessarily involves some risk.
2
: as a logical result or consequence
… a holocaust is a disaster, but a disaster is not necessarily a holocaust.—Harry Shaw

Synonyms of necessarily

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Examples of necessarily in a Sentence

the argument that the existence of the universe necessarily implies the existence of an all-powerful being responsible for creating it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By optimizing the funnel where qualified customers are currently dropping off, companies can make existing marketing dollars work harder, driving more effective growth without necessarily expanding budgets. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 That’s not to say that Holland is necessarily always comfortable using the phrase my wife. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026 By May, the team was ready to install the new backhaul—a months-long process that necessarily preceded household connections. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026 Just because Chinese models are becoming popular does not mean China will necessarily be able to capitalize on that popularity in any dangerous way. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for necessarily

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of necessarily was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing necessarily

Rhymes for necessarily

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Browse Nearby Words

necessarianism
necessarily
necessariness
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Cite this Entry

“Necessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/necessarily. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on necessarily

Nglish: Translation of necessarily for Spanish Speakers

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