Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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.

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

“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

A somber admission that U.S. actions in Iran might be followed by serious counteraggression was needed, and is part of the president’s responsibility.

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

Trying to chase the omen from his mind was not a battle he was winning, and it had not been the restful day he’d 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.