“Needed” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “need”. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Required
- Explanation: “Required” is a very close synonym to “needed”. It implies a necessity that is often based on a rule, a standard, or a specific purpose. For example, “A valid ID was required to enter the building.” Here, the use of “required” shows that it was a mandatory condition. When something is needed, it may imply a more general sense of lack or want, but “required” emphasizes the obligatory nature of the thing that is lacking.
2. Essential
- Explanation: “Essential” means something that is absolutely necessary or fundamental. For example, “Water is essential for life.” In the context of “needed”, if we say something is essential, we are highlighting its crucial importance. It's more about the inherent necessity of a thing, and it often implies that without it, there would be a serious problem or the situation would not function properly.
3. Indispensable
- Explanation: “Indispensable” means not able to be dispensed with or done without. For example, “Her skills were indispensable to the success of the project.” This emphasizes that the thing or person in question is so necessary that the whole operation would be in jeopardy without it. It's a stronger way of expressing the idea of “needed” and implies a high level of importance and non - substitutability.
4. Necessary
- Explanation: “Necessary” is a common synonym for “needed”. It simply means required in order to achieve a particular result or to maintain a certain state. For example, “Sleep is necessary for good health.” It's a more straightforward way of expressing the basic need for something and is often used to state a fact about what is required for a normal or desired outcome.