DEMAND Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

demand 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈmand

Definition of demand

as in request

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in market

the state of being sought after especially for purchase a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in requirement

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable we are very confident that our new employee is fully equal to the demands of the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

demand

2 of 2

verb

as in to request

to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority the losing party demanded a recount of the votes cast in the election

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to need

to have as a requirement a task that demands one's unremitting attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ask

to set or receive as a price superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

But BofA said demand has not been destroyed enough to rebalance the market, at least not yet. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 At certain times of year — particularly during winter, when dirtier fuels like oil and coal are burned in order to meet greater need — power plants’ demand for allowances rises, causing the auction price to do the same. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

Its interior features a graphite coating designed for demanding high-speed testing. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 Last week, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White demanded they be officially declared eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand

Noun

Hansen’s attorney, who is with the Post-Conviction Justice Project at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Securing passage for Iraqi tankers was also one of Baghdad’s main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s visit to Iraq, according to IRNA, with Iraq having been hard hit by the turmoil in the waterway.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Downsizing With brands like Slate entering the market, automakers appear to be hearing the call for cheaper options.

— Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
With a keen interest in the African market, the club was tipped off about Diomandé at an early age and followed his progress in the US, eventually signing him in November 2024.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of market

Noun

Other majors, such as engineering, with its extensive math requirements, have been harder to shrink.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.

— Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Verb

The agreement, which Oman has not yet confirmed, still requires approval by Iran's parliament and other authorities.

— Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Despite the frustrations that come with creating one, a truly sleek bun doesn't require growing a third arm and relentless yanking of your strands.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of require

Verb

The cost of taking them in Liberia began rebuilding after a 14-year civil war ended in 2003, but Wesseh said the country still needs major investment.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Aries March 21 – April 19 The deadline competing with a relationship promise may need an honest update.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of need

Verb

When asked if Tebow wanted to discuss Sunday’s experience, a member of his PR team said the 39-year-old native of the Jacksonville area native could not fit the request into his schedule.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
The sheriff’s office later declined to say why that determination was made, when the remains were found or who found them when asked by CNN.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of ask

Browse Nearby Words

demagogues

demand

demanded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of demand

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on demand

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

expeditious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes