1
as in to require
to have as a requirement
a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
when it came time to wrap the presents, he found he was in need of adhesive tape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
got a job that barely provided for his basic needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
no need to apologize
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
donating money to help those in need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 need
Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Mow at the correct height. Reduce thatch with core aeration, as needed.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
However, denim trends differ by region, highlighting the need for hyperlocal merchandising strategies.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
Crisp and raw acidity needs time to amalgamate with red fruit.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Mow at the correct height. Reduce thatch with core aeration, as needed.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Noun
Modular Furniture Modular furniture consists of individual sections, or modules, that can be arranged and rearranged in various configurations based on your needs and individual setup.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
However, denim trends differ by region, highlighting the need for hyperlocal merchandising strategies.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
This was seen with Proposition 48, a rule that required, among other things, incoming freshmen athletes score at least a 700 on the SAT or 17 on the ACT and pass certain courses.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 May 2025
-
While the scenic coastal route is stunning, the full excursion requires several hours of driving and a fair amount of walking.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
The lack of border security created real problems for Americans, including crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
Thousands of people become trapped in their homes, buildings, and businesses, further isolated by the lack of communication.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70 $17 $15 at Amazon Facial sunscreens are a must in Florida, especially to prevent sun damage and premature aging.—
Terri Peters,
Parents,
8 May 2025
-
While no prior acting experience is required for the aforementioned roles, prior kitchen experience is a must.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
Of course, commercial companies like ULA have no obligation to broadcast their launches at all, and there's no requirement for Amazon to show pictures of its satellites.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
3 May 2025
-
Kraft’s hiring in 2000 was highly contentious, since Belichick owed contractual obligations to the New York Jets.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
According to the logline, Nook dreams of a better life but is caught in a rampant cycle of poverty and desperation within his Atlanta community.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
2 May 2025
-
My Ly covers health care and poverty for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.—
My Ly,
Arkansas Online,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
So to actually be part of the exhibition and be interacting with her has really been a full-circle moment for me because some of her writing really inspired me to want to design myself.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
There is a formula for some comedy where people don’t want something different.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
However, some analysts also credited other factors, such as eliminating minimum parking requirements.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2025
-
Meeting these requirements will likely depend on AI vendors providing detailed technical disclosures, which could present challenges if vendors are unwilling or unable to share the necessary information.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Now the decision of whether or not to contact Anne was merely a type of responsibility, an intrusion.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
Building a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility—and where it’s embedded in your onboarding, daily operations, and leadership decisions—creates the kind of trust that can’t be faked.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share