NEEDED

Set to 14 different clues across 23 published puzzles, most often “Had to have” — The New York Times, Monday, 2 February 2004.

6 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Had to have4 times
The New York Times — Monday, 2 February 2004
Vital3 times
The New York Times — Saturday, 5 May 2007
Not optional3 times
The New York Times — Friday, 17 August 2001
Like fourth-down yardage2 times
The New York Times — Sunday, 14 June 2009
Essential2 times
The New York Times — Monday, 5 April 2004
Compulsoryonce
The New York Times — Friday, 17 September 2010
Obligatoryonce
The New York Times — Sunday, 25 January 2009
Indispensableonce
The New York Times — Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Called foronce
The New York Times — Sunday, 10 September 2000
Like yardage on a fourth downonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 13 November 1999
Something nice to feelonce
The New York Times — Friday, 24 January 1997
Had a lackonce
The New York Times — Tuesday, 6 December 1994