if necessary

phrase

: if it is needed

Apply another coat of paint if necessary.

Examples of if necessary in a Sentence

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.

Those games are slated for New York, with Game 5 back in Atlanta on Wednesday, if necessary. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The National League Division Series also sees both teams playing (if necessary). — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 To check Full Disk Access on your Mac, head to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access and toggle it off, if necessary. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 But mostly the Dodgers’ calculus was that having Yamamoto pitch Game 3 would line him up to potentially pitch Game 2 in the NLCS and, if necessary, Game 6 against the Milwaukee Brewers or San Diego Padres. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for if necessary

Browse Nearby Words

if money

if necessary

if need be

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“If necessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20necessary. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

if necessary

phrase

Examples of if necessary in a Sentence

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes

if necessary

phrase

Examples of if necessary in a Sentence

Rhymes for if necessary

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes