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

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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

Underpinning this analysis is growing conviction among investors that AI is going to take longer than initially forecast to generate the returns needed to justify the required investment. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Shipping tags held for oysters were also missing the required documentation. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Verb

Beginning August 1, 2026, covered data brokers were required to start processing those requests. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The company identifies Time-to-Skill—the time required to teach a robot a task and achieve reliable execution—as a key measure of progress. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for required

Recent Examples of Synonyms for required

Adjective

In a country where enlistment is mandatory for most Jewish men and women, these exemptions have always angered the broader public.

— Josef Federman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Other campaign issues include mandatory military service, which is particularly sensitive for religious Jewish parties and Haredi communities.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

The current job climate is creating conditions where pushing past your limits may feel necessary for career survival.

— Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Successfully navigating those kinds of conflicts will be key if Sharma is to build up the authority and credibility necessary to get Xbox back on track.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Ben-Gvir was considered so extreme that the Israeli military barred him from compulsory service.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Ultra-Orthodox political leaders have demanded a law to formalize the group's broad exemption from the draft, but one that would also determine a percentage of ultra-Orthodox men and women who would be subject to compulsory service.

— Dov Lieber, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Beginning in October 2023, the convention center also reportedly implemented additional new bird-safe measures, including closing drapes and blinds overnight and turning off non-essential exterior lights.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Verb

The board didn’t want a remote CEO Unlike the billionaires who left, Zuckerberg runs a company whose board wanted him in the building.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Tina said Tony helped bring a publisher to the Philippines, opening doors for artists who wanted to work with major comic book companies.

— Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of wanted

Adjective

The incumbent senator accused his critics of lying about the controversy before acknowledging that his office sent patients with unpaid bills to collections.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
With just two weeks to go until Election Night, sky-high utility bills have become a major issue in the Los Angeles mayor's race, with both incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Nithya Raman promising action.

— Tom Wait, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of incumbent

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require

required

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Style

“Required.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/required. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of required

adjective

verb

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