required

1 of 2

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

required

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of require

Synonyms of required

Adjective

• mandatory
• necessary
• compulsory
• incumbent
• needed

Examples of required in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

But their interest deepens after reading Buffett’s annual letters, which became required reading for many investors, and hearing him speak in interviews. — Josh Funk, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Creating an intimate feel within a stadium required placing the upper-deck seats as close to the field as possible. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Eighty years of evidence, much of it the party’s own, shows cadres parroting the scripts given to them, performing the required contrition, and then reverting to their earlier behaviors the moment the campaign ends. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

The report describes cramped windowless housing units offering barely half the required living space, limited showers and recreation, and poor access to clean drinking water, hygiene supplies and legal materials. — Gisela Salomon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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