as in necessary
impossible to do without
pack only what will be needed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in required
to have as a requirement
a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 needed
Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
The memo stated the federal government had started site preparation but blamed Pritzker for delaying the land purchase and a needed state permit.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
The city’s discussion on the needed roadway improvements comes at a time when hundreds of apartments, more businesses and a new Trader Joe’s are all popping up within city limits.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
For a young team learning to stick up for each other, Mangiapane brings a needed dirtiness to the Hawks.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
The Jets get some needed youth in Rosén, the 14th pick in the 2021 draft.
—Corey Pronman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Much needed rain brought cooler temperatures across Colorado's Front Range and northeastern plains on Tuesday.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Middleton, who is running for statewide office for the first time, was the top vote-getter but fell short of the needed majority.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
In the dead of winter, February—with its glittery cards and candy hearts—delivers some needed brightness.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026
Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The pool table can also be used as a ping-pong table or even another table, if needed.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Richey, a Boston College pledge, needed just 90 pitches to notch her first no-hitter this season.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman closed it out for a win the Red Sox desperately needed.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Not now needed, says this production.
—Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Mary-Lou Burton of Lodi needed a ride to her storage unit.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
But its renowned wellness offering is arguably needed more deeply in London than anywhere.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Florida needed that early scoring barrage after Ottawa attempted to mount a comeback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Campbell, who ordinarily would represent DiZoglio in court to compel the Legislature to comply, has refused to do so on the flimsy excuse that DiZoglio has not provided needed information.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
The memo stated the federal government had started site preparation but blamed Pritzker for delaying the land purchase and a needed state permit.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
The city’s discussion on the needed roadway improvements comes at a time when hundreds of apartments, more businesses and a new Trader Joe’s are all popping up within city limits.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
For a young team learning to stick up for each other, Mangiapane brings a needed dirtiness to the Hawks.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
The Jets get some needed youth in Rosén, the 14th pick in the 2021 draft.
—Corey Pronman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Much needed rain brought cooler temperatures across Colorado's Front Range and northeastern plains on Tuesday.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Middleton, who is running for statewide office for the first time, was the top vote-getter but fell short of the needed majority.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
In the dead of winter, February—with its glittery cards and candy hearts—delivers some needed brightness.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
Under city zoning rules, the Board of Zoning Adjustment needed to approve a special use permit for the project.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The pool table can also be used as a ping-pong table or even another table, if needed.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Richey, a Boston College pledge, needed just 90 pitches to notch her first no-hitter this season.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman closed it out for a win the Red Sox desperately needed.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Not now needed, says this production.
—Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Mary-Lou Burton of Lodi needed a ride to her storage unit.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
But its renowned wellness offering is arguably needed more deeply in London than anywhere.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Florida needed that early scoring barrage after Ottawa attempted to mount a comeback.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needed
Adjective
-
Tilling is sometimes necessary, such as when incorporating compost or manure, but limiting the frequency and intensity can help maintain soil structure.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
And despite a battery of necessary offseason changes, everything felt the same.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Again, amendments to association governing documents may be required to avoid any incompatibilities.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
One of those involved the ship's toilet, which has had problems dumping liquid waste overboard as required.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
To those beyond the Jewish community who stand as allies, partnership is essential.—
Igor Alterman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Dust easily collects in the grooves of air vents, and cleaning them regularly is essential to maintain good air quality in your home.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After waiting 21 years to get back to the Final Four, the Illini nation wanted more.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The Galaxy wanted to get off to a fast start at home in the 2026 season.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That image of God never has a problem, never has a disease, never lacks anything needful or truly desirable, and has never sinned.—
Douglas Sytsma,
Christian Science Monitor,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Who promises tomorrows to a whole needful planet, restrikes that match?—
Corey Van Landingham,
The New Yorker,
19 June 2023
Adjective
-
The Lick, Kluender, Yager and Ninneman families have also been an integral part of the tradition, members of the Francis and Pietruszewski families said, as familiar faces from years gone by, old friends from the neighborhood, college or work all stop in.—
Elliot Mann,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2026
-
His willingness to do the dirty work became an integral part of Cathedral’s state championship team during Davis’ junior season in 2021-22.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Needed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needed. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
