needed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of needed
First recorded in 1610–20; need ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fund a 529 with confidence, use what’s needed for education and convert the excess to potentially tax-free retirement savings.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Xi needed someone he trusted absolutely to run the purge.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Panish told jurors in Van Nuys that they needed to award punitive damages not only to punish Grossman and Erickson but also to send a message about their conduct.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
"We are continuing to move forward. Europe has never needed unity, greater independence and greater sovereignty more than it does now," he said.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
It was the spark of hope Clare needed.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
