required

adjective

re·​quired ri-ˈkwī(-ə)rd How to pronounce required (audio)
Synonyms of requirednext
: stipulated as necessary to be done, made, or provided
required reading
required monthly payments
submit the required proof of identification
Uninsured motorists insurance is a required coverage in several states (and strongly encouraged in others) in all auto policies.— Robert I. Mehr

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of required in a Sentence

formal instruction in driving is required in this state before you can get your driver's license with these frigid winds, hats, scarves, and good mittens are required equipment for heading outside
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Doing so required China, Russia, and Washington’s European allies to sign on to a sanctions regime. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 These aren’t participation trophies but achievements that required skill, preparation and genuine contribution. — Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 While the required hardware upgrades are relatively minor, each telescope has unique technical constraints, posing challenges to implementation, according to Issaoun. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025 After reviewing your information, the officer may issue a verbal warning, a written warning, or a ticket, which could include a required court date. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for required

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of required was in 1540

Phrases Containing required

Rhymes for required

See All Rhymes for required

Browse Nearby Words

require
required
required reading
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Required.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/required. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on required

Nglish: Translation of required for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Should that word have a hyphen?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
illustration of alice and tweedledee and tweedledum
Guess the Literary Image We show you the art, you guess the literary work....
See All