require

verb

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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

Synonyms & Antonyms for require

Synonyms

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 State laws generally require competitive bidding for construction projects and services, exceptions are allowed. — Greg Moran, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2022 Merz said the city is reviewing its policies and processes for handling sensitive information and will require additional training. — Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 13 May 2022 County Clerk Sherry Hall said Wednesday that about two-thirds of the ballots that have been returned to the county so far are marred by the error and require that the voter’s choice in each race be duplicated by hand. — Jamie Goldberg, oregonlive, 12 May 2022 Though no one was injured, debris from the two homes is now scattered up and down the national seashore and will likely require an extensive cleanup process. — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2022 Dresang said the westbound lanes have the greatest amount of damage and will require removal and replacement of concrete for the full width of the freeway. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 12 May 2022 On top of that, there are several situations in which humans might require a stroller to properly care for their animal. — Lizz Schumer, Woman's Day, 12 May 2022 Existing methods use massive amounts of energy and require highly toxic chemicals such as hydrochloric acid. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 May 2022 But the pills don't work for a very small number of women, and second-trimester pregnancies typically require more expensive and invasive surgical abortions. — Peter Weber, The Week, 12 May 2022 See More

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.