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

Auriga can, for example, alter launch velocity depending on the mass of the projectile, the required range and the type of target being engaged. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The court declined to hear the application on technical grounds, asking authorities to complete the required paperwork. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

The consortium will also establish a development roadmap covering the steps required to move from the present conceptual phase toward possible construction and deployment. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 This role required her not only to be an exceptional astronomer but also to understand the political landscape both within and surrounding NASA. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for required

Recent Examples of Synonyms for required

Adjective

The fallout of this fraud included several new state-level fiscal accountability reforms for all New York school districts, including stricter internal controls, mandatory board oversight and independent auditor requirements.

— Kathryn Blackman, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Due to the business’s small, quaint space, reservations are mandatory.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

Addressing workers at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume warned Tuesday that eliminating tens of thousands of jobs could be necessary to remain competitive.

— Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
The equipment in the classroom is also outdated and no longer reaches performance capabilities necessary for modern digital art, web design and 2D and 3D imaging, officials said.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

In the Soviet Union, basic military training was compulsory in schools including gas mask drills, march practice, and rifle assembly.

— Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Even though public schooling became compulsory in 1896, the language barrier and the remote location of many plantations led to gaps in access to these laborers’ formal education.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

Koeckeritz argued that a paved parking lot is an essential accessory to its main function — worship — not the principal use of the property across the street from the towering cathedral.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Which essential services, such as banks and postal delivery, will be closed?

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Verb

If Congress wanted the president to retain Section 338 power, Albrecht asks, why did lawmakers pass the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allowed for national security tariffs?

— Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The one person who never wanted to be seen with Dolly in public, astonishingly, was her husband of 59 years and childhood sweetheart, Carl Dean.

— Tania Bryer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of wanted

Adjective

He has been rumored as a possible hire at Giorgio Armani in the wake of the founder’s death one year ago, and mooted for such diverse brands as Kenzo and Calvin Klein, which currently have incumbent creative directors.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Many of the roles have been projected for several years to be among the fastest-growing, even preceding the generative AI boom and its incumbent electricity demands, for example.

— Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of incumbent

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“Required.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/required. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of required

adjective

verb

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