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.
The Friends of Bear Creek Stables are tasked with asking for quotes for required coverage before making that decision. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 According to the death review investigation, the facility conducted the required well-being checks on the resident every 30 minutes from 9:53 p.m. Oct. 18 through 2:13 a.m. Oct. 19. — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2025 The world likely doesn’t want that required price spike though, and several factors suggest that the optimal pricing for North American strategic interests is likely a moderately high global oil price. — Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Most retirees must start taking required minimum distributions by age 73. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 20 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
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 Word Game 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
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All