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Synonyms

needed

American  
[nee-did] / ˈni dɪd /

adjective

  1. necessary, required, or wanted (usually used in combination).

    a much-needed vacation.

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.

If I wanted to do serious work on behalf of gay people, I needed more than slogans and passion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

“Policy is in a good place to react as needed to risks of higher inflation or a weaker labor market. I expect the current setting of the policy rate will remain appropriate for some time.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

They also needed to get all 42 actors to their spots to perform at the right time throughout the space.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The CPS said it remained ready to support "any investigation if needed".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Why Tansy needed to go to high school was another of life’s mysteries to me.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

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.