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.
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
Metcalfe said she was convinced the answers police needed lay in the Harlow community.
From BBC • 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
This is needed as the current fleet is working overtime and is too small to meet America’s far-flung obligations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
That he needed and relied on me, like I did on him and the marina.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
