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
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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
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Recent Examples of need
Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
At certain moments, leaders need to be in the spotlight, the sage on stage.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
This is why recent appeals to Jevons paradox, and how the need for human interaction may mean less job loss than prior predictions by AI leaders such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman are so revealing.
—Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
Feenstra will need to garner 35% of the vote to secure his candidacy.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
At certain moments, leaders need to be in the spotlight, the sage on stage.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
Regulators are expected to balance the best interests of consumers with the utility’s business needs.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
This is why recent appeals to Jevons paradox, and how the need for human interaction may mean less job loss than prior predictions by AI leaders such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman are so revealing.
—Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
-
The glamorous Old Hollywood theme extends into the guestrooms, but not all are created equal—some bathrooms are big enough to dance a waltz in, others require you to keep your elbows tucked.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Under Florida law, any attorney in good standing is eligible to serve as a guardian ad litem in family court without any further requirements.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
-
Charles Schwab Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
This year, Davis began the process of shifting some sidewalk repair obligations onto adjacent property owners to address a repaving backlog and citywide budget deficit.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
-
Gomez also criticized the public notice that warned broadcasters about their public interest obligations.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The artist behind the series descended into poverty following the breakdown that left her unable to paint; years later her teen daughter, Indigo, herself a gifted artist, is barely keeping the two of them afloat.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
De La Espriella has proposed poverty reduction through better education, healthcare and housing for the poorest.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Investors chasing Asia’s artificial intelligence rally may want to look beyond the region’s top-performing stock markets and consider Japan instead, according to Barclays.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
If completed, Midtown Station would sit near a transit center that the developers want to use to establish a transportation hub connecting people throughout the area.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Baraka, Shange, and Harryman taken together can articulate distinct and convergent approaches to multivocal necessity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
Folks can’t afford their basic necessities like groceries, utilities or gas for their cars.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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