PREREQUISITE Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

prerequisite 1 of 2

noun

Definition of prerequisite

as in requirement

something that you officially must have or do before you can have or do something else Citizenship is a prerequisite for voting. The introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced-level courses. Having good credit is a prerequisite to applying for a loan.

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Dissimilar Words

prerequisite

2 of 2

adjective

as in necessary

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Dissimilar Words

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 prerequisite

Noun

Being laid off feels almost like a prerequisite or rite of passage these days. — Kris Kealoha Giron, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026 Strong data governance, quality and ownership are prerequisites for speed. — Sesh Tirumala, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Exobiologists hoped to investigate these theories by looking for the prerequisite molecules for life, and perhaps even extraterrestrial microbes. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2026 For early startup founders, analytics might feel like a distant worry—a need that has to be earned through prerequisite success, a problem for a bigger company. — Francois Lopitaux, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prerequisite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prerequisite

Noun

However, the bill would also preempt certain state requirements covering public risk disclosures, independent evaluations, and critical incident reporting.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
The legislation enacts new work requirements and greater vetting for Medicaid, the low-income program that thousands of Alaskans depend on for healthcare.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Officials said no other evacuations were necessary and public safety employees and emergency responders remained on duty.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Noun

Our neighbors still face high costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, groceries, and other necessities.

— Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
According to a new Guardian poll, 95 percent of Americans think that the United States is in the midst of an affordability crisis with many reporting trouble affording necessities like gas and groceries.

— Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessity

Adjective

Maines’ voice sounds great, and Maguire’s grand viola break after the bridge adds requisite drama.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

This would be particularly relevant in contested environments where drones can observe roads, locate logistics convoys and attack vehicles carrying ammunition, fuel, food and other essential supplies.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Blaze, previously more peripheral to the adventure, became essential.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Engineers at an Ontario nuclear power station have reached a major milestone in rebuilding a reactor core, finishing a crucial stage almost a month ahead of schedule.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
But this campaign of attacks deep inside enemy territory has given Ukraine crucial leverage, sparking a major fuel crisis inside Russia.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Schools closed before Isaias swept through the region last Friday and have been scrambling to make needed repairs to facilities while awaiting power restoration.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Many shelters are operated by nonprofit organizations but owned by the city or private entities, limiting the nonprofit’s ability to make needed improvements.

— Jeffrey Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of needed

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prep schools

prerequisite

prerequisites

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Style

“Prerequisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prerequisite. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prerequisite

noun

adjective

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