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

An aging population, growing healthcare needs and rising energy demand are expected to create strong opportunities for healthcare workers, data scientists and renewable energy technicians. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Finance leaders need best-case and worst-case scenarios as interest rates, labor costs, demand and supply chains shift. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

In accordance with the Independence City Charter, residents were able to initiate a petition demanding a vote for Perkins’ recall. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 But commercial real estate demands a different skill set, just as healthcare has specialists and general practitioners. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand

Noun

The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, which doubles as the region’s medical examiner, did not immediately respond to a request for information.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
One of the sources said the GSA put out a public request for lease proposals that identifies 18 potential locations, requiring space for at least 10 courtrooms.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Any player in the Italian top flight who has a heart condition or has undergone related surgery must pass Serie A’s sporting fitness requirements before returning to play.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of requirement

Verb

Matt Bevin has missed several court dates in the case and did not attend the May 29 hearing in person as required by the judge, appearing via Zoom instead.

— Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
Doing the math, that leaves two other units with residents who will have a say since allowing the foundation to take over the entire space would require changing the co-op’s bylaws, Richards said.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of require

Verb

Chip manufacturers need equipment to deliver extremely high levels of precision, repeatability and reliability while operating continuously in production environments.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
All John needs to do is recite the Green Lanterns oath the next time Hal hands him his ring for training.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of need

Noun

The Dunbar Social by Topgolf Swing Suite is a must-visit, especially for families or sports fans.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Prioritize Automation That Frees Your Time Automating as many financial processes in your life and business is a must in 2026, freeing up your time and energy.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of must

Verb

And Dean will be the quintessential Mike, commanding the defense as the green dot.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Nuclear power currently commands more political attention, more corporate investment and more technological hype than at any point in at least three decades.

— Interesting Engineering, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

demagogues

demand

demanded

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Style

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of demand

noun

verb

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