as in requirements
something that you officially must have or do before you can have or do something else
Citizenship is a prerequisite for voting. The introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced-level courses. Having good credit is a prerequisite to applying for a loan.
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Recent Examples of prerequisites
Distance and safety became prerequisites for healing.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
But experiencing failure and learning to recover from it are prerequisites for long-term success and, crucially, for mental health.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Staying healthy is one of the crucial prerequisites to climbing onto the podium.
—Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
In Chicago specifically, the front-office executive emphasized, the list of prerequisites for the job had to include thick skin, self-assurance and presence.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
But if your prerequisites for a dreamy getaway entail an intimate enclave where famous artists once dined and stayed, all roads lead to La Colombe d’Or.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Jones said this week that being a former head coach, or even a former NFL defensive coordinator, wouldn’t be prerequisites for their next defensive coordinator.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
The Army listed no strict prerequisites.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
Outside corners, where height, length and long speed are among the prerequisites.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
But experiencing failure and learning to recover from it are prerequisites for long-term success and, crucially, for mental health.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Staying healthy is one of the crucial prerequisites to climbing onto the podium.
—Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
In Chicago specifically, the front-office executive emphasized, the list of prerequisites for the job had to include thick skin, self-assurance and presence.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
But if your prerequisites for a dreamy getaway entail an intimate enclave where famous artists once dined and stayed, all roads lead to La Colombe d’Or.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Jones said this week that being a former head coach, or even a former NFL defensive coordinator, wouldn’t be prerequisites for their next defensive coordinator.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
The Army listed no strict prerequisites.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
Outside corners, where height, length and long speed are among the prerequisites.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prerequisites
Noun
-
Still, broad bipartisan majorities support photo ID requirements, according to recent polling by Pew Research Center.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The missive comes as Florida enforces a sweeping ban on gender-affirming care for minors and dismantles traditional accreditation requirements for lawyers and universities.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Forego sterile minimalism and use this $10 glass bottle to house everyday necessities like vitamins and mouthwash to be visible and within arms’ reach.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In January 2018, Cora, a team contingent, and Boston Mayor Marty Wash flew to Puerto Rico to deliver 10 tons of medical supplies, water filtration systems, other necessities, and a monetary donation.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prerequisites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prerequisites. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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