as in requirements
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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Recent Examples of prerequisites
Short-term memory and mental toughness are prerequisites for a major league pitcher, particularly for one who must ply his trade at Coors Field.
—
Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Cameron is completing the rigorous prerequisites to apply to the competitive cardiovascular technology program at Grossmont College while caring for her daughter.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
And unfortunately, in all those cases, there are important prerequisites, the most important of which is serious organization.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Distance and safety became prerequisites for healing.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Staying healthy is one of the crucial prerequisites to climbing onto the podium.
—Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
In Chicago specifically, the front-office executive emphasized, the list of prerequisites for the job had to include thick skin, self-assurance and presence.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
But if your prerequisites for a dreamy getaway entail an intimate enclave where famous artists once dined and stayed, all roads lead to La Colombe d’Or.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Jones said this week that being a former head coach, or even a former NFL defensive coordinator, wouldn’t be prerequisites for their next defensive coordinator.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Cameron is completing the rigorous prerequisites to apply to the competitive cardiovascular technology program at Grossmont College while caring for her daughter.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
And unfortunately, in all those cases, there are important prerequisites, the most important of which is serious organization.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Distance and safety became prerequisites for healing.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Staying healthy is one of the crucial prerequisites to climbing onto the podium.
—Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
In Chicago specifically, the front-office executive emphasized, the list of prerequisites for the job had to include thick skin, self-assurance and presence.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
But if your prerequisites for a dreamy getaway entail an intimate enclave where famous artists once dined and stayed, all roads lead to La Colombe d’Or.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Jones said this week that being a former head coach, or even a former NFL defensive coordinator, wouldn’t be prerequisites for their next defensive coordinator.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prerequisites
Noun
-
Proponents of lighter federal regulation argue that a national policy framework with minimal requirements—focused on energy and infrastructure concerns rather than comprehensive AI restrictions—better serves both innovation and public interest than aggressive preemptive regulation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The weeklong trip includes hotel stays, a custom itinerary, and social media storytelling requirements.—
Meena Thiruvengadam,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Gone are the corporate and impersonal interiors, and here to stay are delicious, residential-feeling finishes such as iridescent chinoiserie wallpapers, fresh carpeting, and all-new necessities like televisions and phones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Insurance changes, premium hikes, formulary shifts, and prior authorization barriers are routinely framed as administrative necessities.—
John Fomeche,
STAT,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prerequisites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prerequisites. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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