required

adjective

re·​quired ri-ˈkwī(-ə)rd 

: 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 of required

• mandatory
• necessary
• compulsory
• incumbent
• needed

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

The resolution there would be unlikely to muster the required 60 votes needed to advance. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

The city later cleared the restaurant to reopen after the required corrections were made. — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

And in the professional discipline process, the lawyer didn’t consistently show up with all the required materials or consistently show up at all. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Rao took over, and replaced required courses in botany and zoology with genetics and molecular biology. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing required

• required reading

Rhymes for required

• acquired
• admired
• backfired
• conspired
• desired
• enquired
• hardwired
• inquired
• inspired
• rehired
• respired
• transpired