needs 1 of 3

Definition of needsnext
as in necessarily
because of necessity the dangers of global warming must needs be recognized—and recognized soon—by the industrialized nations of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need
1
2
as in must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

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 needs
Verb
Meanwhile, if a child or creative partner needs reassurance, your practical words can vanquish their anxieties and ensure any plans move forward without pressure. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026 Every great travel wardrobe needs a reliable layer, which is why the Bond Tank by Lioness on Amazon is a no-brainer—especially for 50 percent off. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 Greenland currently needs Denmark’s approval to sign deals. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Jan. 2026 What Asheville needs now are travelers to share the love. Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026 Ryder selects a team of special agents based upon the problem that needs solving. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 To share data, Dexcom needs user consent. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 Your change program needs to provide team members with continuing evidence that the changes are working and spreading. Phil Gilbert, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025 Protein is an essential part of your diet, but consuming more than your body needs can cause problems. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
Get ready for hunting season by browsing over 40 vendors selling a variety of goods for all your fishing and outdoor needs. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026 The request for additional money was made after underground utility and other site placement needs were identified while designing a new floor plan. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 She's been vocal about the unique needs of helping the BIPOC population, which often lacked access to or trust in traditional medicine. Laurie Perez, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026 The robot’s build also accounts for everyday parenting needs. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026 Meeting vitamin D needs often requires a combination of diet, safe sun exposure, and supplementation when necessary. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026 Gregg said sobriety took a back seat to his more immediate needs, such as finding food and a bed in a shelter. Aaron Bolton, NPR, 6 Jan. 2026 As customization and wellness combine in personal rituals and self-care, such as skincare routines and makeup applications, bathroom storage is also evolving to meet individual needs. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026 According to the United Nations, Venezuela historically does not produce enough food to meet its needs, and many products must be imported from abroad and paid for in foreign currencies. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • That doesn’t mean the House majority is necessarily safe.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Not that the bush honeysuckles are necessarily particularly good for birds.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The best storytelling requires revision.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Then lawmakers passed a law that requires legislative approval for such an action.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But food hubs also have high startup and operational costs, challenges with maintaining a consistent supply and demand and recruiting skilled leadership and staff, and navigating organizational, regulatory and food safety requirements, Perez said.
    Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Even with reporting requirements, the system relies on companies to share accurate information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • During the meeting Monday evening, two residents called for stronger oversight of the project, raising concerns about the city’s obligations, should the development stall.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • For instance, a user might encounter transaction limits, identity verification requirements, or reporting obligations, particularly for large amounts.
    Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Public conversations about loneliness tend to collapse a distinction between feeling lonely and being socially isolated—the latter is an objective state that doesn’t inevitably mean a person feels the negative emotions of loneliness.
    Jenny Singer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Everything about the day went absolutely perfect, there was not a single thing that went wrong, and that was surreal too because in weddings usually something inevitably goes wrong.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Everybody wants to have a play and that’s a positive thing.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • According to court documents, the Marathon County Sheriff's Office notifies ICE of every person booked into the jail who was not born in the United States, and asks if the agency wants a detainer.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There’s also bonus storage behind the vanity mirror, and built-ins along the wall with both open shelves and closed cabinets to stow other bathroom necessities.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Many regions continue to experience changes in how wealth is distributed across different income groups, as gleaming high-rises across several major cities often overshadow communities where basic necessities remain out of reach.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • By 2030, the company expects Atlas to take on more complex responsibilities, including repetitive and heavy-load assembly work.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Soldiers will serve in a support role, focused on protecting property, safeguarding critical infrastructure and allowing local law enforcement to remain focused on community safety and investigative responsibilities, according to a news release from the governor's office.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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