demand 1 of 2

1
as in request
something that someone insists upon having agreed to the customer's demand for a refund

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in market
the state of being sought after especially for purchase a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

demand

2 of 2

verb

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
Intel — The chip stock surged more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported better-than-expected revenue as demand for its core x86 processors for PCs recovered. Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 The astronomical energy demand for data centers has raised environmental concerns about AI as tech companies draw more electricity and drive up emissions from fossil fuel generation. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Teddy demands that Michelle take him and Don to her Andromedan leader in the hope of forcing the invaders to retreat. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Senate Democrats are demanding a deal to address the subsidies as part of any government funding measure, while Republicans say that Congress should end the shutdown and then have a conversation about the future of the credits. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
Noun
  • The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The offices of Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an era when multinationals are diversifying away from single-market dependencies, Minister Al-Falih’s remarks made clear that Riyadh wants to anchor that shift — offering predictability, efficiency, and partnership in a volatile world.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Most tickets on the resale market were selling for well north of $1,000 per seat in the days leading up to Game 1.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Qualls will face regular work reporting requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, as well as the quarterly wage checks that Louisiana Medicaid already conducts.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The chief appraiser then ensures each of the nominees are in good standing with the property tax code’s requirements.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But true advancement requires intentionally stepping into a new level of leadership, not doing two jobs at the same time.
    Marlo Lyons, Harvard Business Review, 29 Oct. 2025
  • With 76 seats needed to form a governing coalition in the Netherlands’ parliament, at least four parties will be required.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Women aged 18–50 need about 25-28 grams of fiber per day, while men aged 18–50 need about 31-34 grams.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike laminate or marble, granite countertops need to be cleaned in a specific way to prevent any damage.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following her passing, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days at government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions, and government officials have been asked to wear mourning attire for a year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Weekly Newsletter Audiences were asked to consider that the display of human difference was dehumanizing or even exploitative but also to understand that the sideshow represented a locus of community and a way for disabled performers to make an independent living.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dressing up was a must for kids.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And no matter the time of day or year, a stop at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to see some of the largest trees on the planet is a must.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Takaichi, whose party commands a minority government and has slid in successive elections, has little room for error during her tenure.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The man known as Supermex is also an idol for his humor, eloquence and ability to command the attention of fans.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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