Synonyms of needs

needs 1 of 3

adverb

ˈnēdz 

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

• necessarily
• inevitably
• unavoidably
• ipso facto
• inescapably
• ineluctably
• perforce
• involuntarily

needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need

1

as in requires

to have as a requirement

a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requires
• wants
• takes
• demands
• involves
• necessitates
• challenges
• claims
• calls for
• warrants
• entails
• asks
• begs
• bears
• lacks
• insists
• cries (for)
• hurts (for)
• stipulates
• clamors (for)
• exacts
• commands
• enjoins
• presses
• quests

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• has
• holds
• owns
• possesses

2

as in must

to be under necessity or obligation to

you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• must
• should
• will
• shall
• has (to)
• ought (to)

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

1

as in requirements

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

got a job that barely provided for his basic needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requirements
• necessities
• musts
• demands
• requisites
• essentials
• needfuls
• necessaries
• conditions
• sine qua nons
• must-haves
• prerequisites
• preconditions
• advantages
• wishes
• pluses
• desiderata
• edges
• desiderations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonessentials
• surpluses
• comforts
• amenities
• luxuries
• nonnecessities
• extras
• frills
• extravagances
• indulgences
• superfluities
• surplusages

2

as in obligations

something one must do because of prior agreement

no need to apologize

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obligations
• responsibilities
• duties
• requirements
• promises
• commitments
• vows
• constraints
• burdens
• imperatives
• offices
• pledges
• charges
• dos
• payments
• words
• devoirs
• pacts
• incumbencies
• arrangements
• trusts
• contracts
• forces
• oaths
• setups
• debts
• restraints
• compulsions
• musts
• appointments
• covenants
• compacts
• reservations
• tributes
• prearrangements
• engagements
• troths
• duresses
• coercions
• onuses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stays
• exemptions
• graces
• options
• releases
• waivers
• discharges
• alternatives
• preferences
• choices
• eases
• reliefs
• postponements
• loopholes
• selections
• picks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of needs

Verb

Those races are great too, but the everyday runner needs this kind of event. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

The support someone needs from you may work better with a clear limit attached. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026

For a stable, repo-local script, that critique holds, and wrapping every small command in a gateway adds surface area no one needs. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Despite the crisis, the Cuban government continues construction of even more hotels that the country seemingly no longer needs. — Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

The organization said the district needs more revenue and recommended increasing prices, among other strategies. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026

Workforce needs, customer expectations, and business conditions evolve, and leaders have to be willing to adjust if the model stops delivering results. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Newport Beach Councilmember Joe Stapleton, who represents the area including the Peninsula, said the situation needs to be addressed by the City Council. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Boeing’s Starliner costs and delays remain the target of the latest audit from NASA’s Office of the Inspector General, but remains a cheaper option for the agency than relying solely on SpaceX for its commercial crew needs. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2026

Noun

Over time, doorways have been opened up and sealed over again to suit changing family needs. — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Summer sleepwear needs to be lightweight and breathable, and this linen pajama set checks all the boxes. — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026

The deal would not have satisfied Cuba's spiraling energy needs. — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

There are some carve outs if students have health needs, emergencies or teacher permission for educational reasons. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026

Regardless, Cashman has his work cut out for him between now and the trade deadline Three weeks ago, his primary needs were a righty-hitting catcher and at least one other bullpen piece. — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026

But when Erik Spoelstra is strategizing, the needs of Nikola Jovic, for better or worse, are not going to be at the top of the organizational process. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Organizers said donations will help cover funeral and burial expenses, with any additional funds going toward the immediate needs of her children. — Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Over the past decade, the college has invested in the supports that help students complete college and enter the workforce like dual-enrollment programs, workforce advising, childcare, healthcare access, basic-needs supports, and transfer pathways. — Anthony Hernandez, Fortune, 5 July 2026