demand 1 of 2

1
as in request
something that someone insists upon having agreed to the customer's demand for a refund

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in market
the state of being sought after especially for purchase a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

demand

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb demand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of demand are claim, exact, and require. While all these words 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

When can claim be used instead of demand?

While in some cases nearly identical to demand, 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

When could exact be used to replace demand?

The words exact and demand can be used in similar contexts, but exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

When is require a more appropriate choice than demand?

In some situations, the words require and demand are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demand
Noun
To satisfy presidential demands, field offices are directed to meet new daily arrest quotas—75 arrests per office—raising agency-wide targets to 1,200–1,500 arrests per day, up from only about a few hundred. Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025 Getting there requires entering a lottery for a permit from the Bureau of Land Management; demand is far greater than supply. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
Typically, change is demanded by the masses in ways the ruling class can’t ignore. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 With the league-wide need for catching, Murphy could demand a pretty penny on the market. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
Noun
  • Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister did not respond to requests for comment.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Challenge manufacturing did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • There are a lot of names expected to hit the market, and the Yankees will likely look to add one or two of the top names before the trade deadline.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • The Relay fascia is debuting belatedly in the U.K., having already spread to many airports in Europe and the United States, with the latter market being served via LTR’s subsidiary, Paradies Lagardère.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2024, the Biden administration proposed expanding parole in place to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens who met certain requirements, such as having lived in the country for a minimum number of years.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
  • Hegseth wrote in the letter that the move would not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or any other military requirements, per NJ Spotlight News.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • For another brilliant terrace experience, the Renzo Piano designed Nemo Science Museum has a new open green, sustainable rooftop open to the public that doesn’t require entrance to the museum.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Healthy hair requires more than just a regular trim and minimizing heat damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Inside the operating room To correct his spine, John needed rods placed on either side of his spinal column along 13 vertebrae.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Any changes to the zoning code or other policies will need separate council votes.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Fastow started by going door to door to dozens of insurance brokers in San Francisco and asking them about their pain points and most time consuming tasks.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • He was regularly asked about his access to national defense information, prosecutors said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Boat rides on Lake Como are a must, and Zucchi recommends always traveling with a scarf because things can get choppy and windy.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Healthcare is among the best in South America, especially in the larger cities, and far cheaper than in the U.S., but private insurance is a must.
    William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The rapid revolution occurring in artificial intelligence today bears striking resemblance to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, when countless companies commanded silly valuations while some genuinely great businesses suffered brutal punishment in the stock market.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • This year, Netflix commanded 120, ranking second among platforms and up from last year’s 107 noms.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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