necessary

Needed for something to happen or be done properly.

• Bring all the necessary documents.
• Is it necessary to wear a coat?
• They took the necessary steps to protect their home.

How to use it: necessary for someone/something (These tools are necessary for the repair.); it is necessary to do something (It is necessary to book in advance.); necessary to do something (We have the money necessary to finish the work.)

Similar words: needed, required, essential

Opposites: unnecessary

Common phrases: necessary equipment, necessary steps, absolutely necessary, necessary for something

Certain to happen or impossible to avoid.

• Change was a necessary consequence of their decision.
• Some delay was a necessary result of the repairs.
• She accepted the paperwork as a necessary evil.

How to use it: necessary consequence of something (Higher costs were a necessary consequence of the new rules.)

Similar words: inevitable, unavoidable

Opposites: avoidable

Common phrases: necessary consequence, necessary outcome, necessary result, necessary evil

A room or small building containing a toilet.

• The necessary stood behind the house.
• He went outside to visit the necessary.
• A servant showed her the door to the necessary.

Similar words: toilet, privy

Common phrases: the necessary, visit the necessary