needn't
AmericanUsage
See contraction.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With the exception of the rise of the Greens in Britain, these developments needn’t be bad news for the U.S. or for American strategic interests in Europe.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
It’s further proof that an award dictated by length needn’t be bound by anything else.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
Those skeptical of the sway the public has over the Oscars needn’t look any further than back at that supporting actress category.
From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026
Yet the long-term trajectory for stocks suggests that investors needn’t wait for clarity before putting money to work.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
“You needn’t feel too badly, Wilbur,” she said.
From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.