REQUIRED Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

required 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)rd

Definition of required

as in mandatory

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law formal instruction in driving is required in this state before you can get your driver's license

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in necessary

impossible to do without with these frigid winds, hats, scarves, and good mittens are required equipment for heading outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

required

2 of 2

verb

past tense of require

as in needed

to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of required

Adjective

Scientists have now developed a computing architecture that stores memory as vibrations, exponentially shrinking the required hardware. — New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026 That means there are fewer people left to make sure labs and clean rooms pass all the required safety checks during tests that involve extreme temperatures, pressures and electrical discharges. — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

The new agreement strips that provision, as well as another that required Zambia to share pathogen data for 25 years and health data for 10 years. — Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Download the Underdog app (iOS or Android) and complete registration (name, email, date of birth, address, last 4 of SSN if required) and account verification. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for required

Recent Examples of Synonyms for required

Adjective

In Southern California, the city of Long Beach has issued a mandatory evacuation order for some homes through Tuesday.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Long Beach issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th Place.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

The brand believes that allowing attendees to see, touch and fully appreciate the craftsmanship, materials and details of the garments is essential to convey the full value of the collection.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
For community associations and other property owners, maintaining safe conditions to avoid injuries is essential to satisfying their duty and minimizing exposure to potentially severe financial and legal liabilities.

— Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Verb

Wen wanted to follow an ordinary cook through a conflict, and the restaurant came with the job.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
For watches, jewelry, handbags, and sneakers, 20% or fewer Gen Z collectors wanted recognition even within specialist collector communities.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wanted

Adjective

In Will County’s District 2, incumbent Republicans Judy Ogalla, of Monee, and Frankie Pretzel, of New Lenox, seek another term against Democrat Bob Howard, of Beecher, in a rematch of the November 2022 County Board race.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Two Roseville City Council seats are up for grabs in November, with neither incumbent seeking reelection.

— Nicole Buss October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of incumbent

Adjective

As a French overseas territory and integral part of the European Union, the 436-square-mile island has traditionally relied heavily on exports to Europe, particularly rum and bananas, alongside tourism.

— Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Human oversight was integral throughout, both to validate the computational approach and to guide deeper qualitative analysis.

— Justin Chen, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of integral

Browse Nearby Words

require

required

requirement

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Style

“Required.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/required. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of required

adjective

verb

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