require

verb

re·quire | \ ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r

required; requiring

Definition of require

transitive verb

1a : to claim or ask for by right and authority

b archaic : request

2a : to call for as suitable or appropriate the occasion requires formal dress

b : to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for all living beings require food

3 : to impose a compulsion or command on : compel

4 chiefly British : to feel or be obliged —used with a following infinitive one does not require to be a specialist— Elizabeth Bowen

intransitive verb

archaic : ask

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about require

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Synonyms & Antonyms for require

Synonyms

bear, challenge, claim, demand, necessitate, need, take, want, warrant

Antonyms

have, hold

Choose the Right Synonym for require

demand, claim, require, exact mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary. demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands. demanded payment of the debt claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right. claimed the right to manage his own affairs require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation. the patient requires constant attention exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands. exacts absolute loyalty

Examples of require in a Sentence

the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Recent Examples on the Web

Because those engines require converters with more palladium, the price has soared—as has theft on both sides of the Atlantic. — David Hodari, WSJ, "Thieves Mine Catalytic Converters for Metal More Valuable Than Gold," 10 Feb. 2019 Naturally, making a game as pretty as Gris required a lot of work. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, "The art behind the gorgeous indie game Gris," 20 Dec. 2018 And this tiny lifestyle change makes a huge impact, as hand-washing dishes requires about 27 gallons of water per load while an energy efficient dishwasher only uses 3 gallons of water per load. — Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, "The Number One Reason Not To Pre-Rinse Your Dirty Dishes," 18 Dec. 2018 This is the biggest challenge for growing herbs indoors, as most require six hours of bright light. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, "How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden That Actually Stays Alive All Winter," 7 Dec. 2018 The flight here from the North Island requires no ID and no security check (nor do any domestic flights). — Klara Glowczewska, Town & Country, "We Should All Just Move to New Zealand," 17 Jan. 2019 Ultimately, solving this problem will require a greater degree of political will than exists today. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Paul Ryan’s farewell address contained a blaze of nonsense about poverty," 20 Dec. 2018 Expect to add 30 minutes to your morning routine, thanks to all the conditioning and taming your new mane will require. — Elizabeth Denton, Seventeen, "5 Things You Need To Know Before Going Platinum," 17 Dec. 2018 Getting your hands on a Harry Potter–inspired eyeshadow palette won't require a trip to Diagon Alley. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Ulta Stores Now Sell Two Eye Shadow Palettes From Storybook Cosmetics," 27 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'require.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.