necessarily
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for necessarily, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — As an unavoidable result; inevitably.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use necessarily
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From necessary + -ly.
Full origin of necessarily →Frequently asked questions
What does “necessarily” mean?
The word “necessarily” means as an unavoidable result; inevitably. In plain terms, used to say something must logically follow, or often to soften a claim ("not necessarily").
How do you pronounce “necessarily”?
“Necessarily” is pronounced NEHS-uh-suh-rih-lee (/ˌnɛs.əˈsɛɹ.ə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “necessarily” in a sentence?
Here is “necessarily” used in a sentence: “A higher price doesn't necessarily mean better quality.”
What part of speech is “necessarily”?
“Necessarily” is an adverb.
Is “necessarily” a common word?
“Necessarily” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What does 'not necessarily' mean?
'Not necessarily' means 'not always' or 'not in every case'. It concedes that something may sometimes be true but denies that it must be. If asked 'Does expensive mean better?' you might reply 'Not necessarily' — meaning it can be, but is not automatically so. It is by far the most common way the word is used.
How do you use necessarily in a sentence?
Necessarily means that something follows unavoidably: 'A bigger engine necessarily uses more fuel.' It appears most often in the negative to deny that link: 'Being clever does not necessarily make you wise.' It usually sits before the verb or adjective it modifies, showing whether a result is inevitable or merely possible.
What is the difference between necessarily and inevitably?
The two overlap, but there is a shade of difference. Inevitably stresses that something is bound to happen and cannot be prevented. Necessarily stresses logical connection — that one thing must follow from another. You would say a conclusion 'necessarily' follows from its premises, but that an ageing machine will 'inevitably' break down.
What can you use instead of necessarily?
Close alternatives include inevitably, unavoidably, automatically, and 'by definition' when stressing that something must be so. 'Of course' and 'naturally' can work in some sentences. In the common negative form, 'not necessarily' can be replaced by 'not always' or 'not in every case'.