PREREQUISITE Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

prerequisite 1 of 2

noun

Definition of prerequisite

as in requirement

something that you officially must have or do before you can have or do something else Citizenship is a prerequisite for voting. The introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced-level courses. Having good credit is a prerequisite to applying for a loan.

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Dissimilar Words

prerequisite

2 of 2

adjective

as in necessary

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Dissimilar Words

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 prerequisite

Noun

There are states in which a lack of sufficient workers or the attempt to maintain equal representation can override the party affiliation prerequisite. — Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 If African countries want to meet their ambitious industrialization goals, improving education outcomes — especially in STEM subjects — is a prerequisite, experts argued. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 July 2026

Adjective

For early startup founders, analytics might feel like a distant worry—a need that has to be earned through prerequisite success, a problem for a bigger company. — Francois Lopitaux, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 Zinner completed prerequisite courses for medical school at UMiami in his junior year and returned to Johns Hopkins for his graduating senior year. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prerequisite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prerequisite

Noun

There’s a new AI graduation requirement at Purdue University.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Over time, the models will gracefully absorb more complex requirements.

— Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

Each has turned that necessity into an experience, a product category and a marketing language the C-suite can deploy far beyond sport.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Since the 1970s, the federal government has interpreted harm to include any actions that degrade a species’ habitat, given the necessity of habitat for a species’ survival.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of necessity

Adjective

Catherine’s story line evokes a feverish what-if scenario in which a survivor musters the requisite recklessness, talent for murder, and wig collection to mete out retribution.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
The requisite post-credits tag could not feel more gratuitous or useless.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

Every season seems to bring another silhouette deemed essential — and if your closet doesn’t already contain it, well, time to go shopping.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026
Nvidia’s chips are essential to AI data centers, pushing its business to stratospheric heights.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The product had been cooked more than four hours prior to the inspection and was outside the required cooling parameters.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 31, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
The required ingredients included plums, farro, a can of chickpeas, summer squash and a baguette.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

Organizations are failing to equip managers with crucial strategic and relational skills, instead focusing on technical AI training for tasks AI will soon automate.

— Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the war has depleted US munitions, particularly air defense interceptors crucial to stopping attacks on bases.

— Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Thanks to soccer, often called the world’s beautiful game, many found a needed distraction.

— Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Add mulch to flower beds as the rain lets up for the season, so it won’t get washed away and will still retain needed moisture.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Definition of needed

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Style

“Prerequisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prerequisite. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prerequisite

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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