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
While demand continues to grow, our commitment is to improving ad experiences rather than simply increasing the number of ads shown. ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025 But the fossil fuel industry won’t stop winning the culture wars, and thus the political wars, until a much broader segment of the American public demands climate solutions, now. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Verb
Arteta is a demanding coach who prizes intensity in training sessions. James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025 He is accused of pressing a hard object into the store clerk’s back, then demanding money, police said. Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
Noun
  • The request for correction process is intended to correct errors, not to bias assessments to be more favorable to industry and to delay protective actions.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
  • Amazon did not immediately return Sourcing Journal’s request for comment on its robotics aspirations.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Just a couple of months ago, a similarly sized home down the street, also with both Intracoastal and ocean frontage, recently hit the market for $87 million.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 June 2025
  • After their third straight Super Bowl appearance and coming off a year in which their sack production hit a three-year low, the Chiefs were the market for defensive line reinforcements.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The requirement to check in 60 minutes before an international flight remains unchanged.
    Dennis Green, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025
  • During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to serve in the country’s military for at least 18 months.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The protestors vow to stay put until the government enforces section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, requiring accessibility for all federal spaces.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • The body needs to move—and walking has become my own little act of self-care.
    María Quiles, Vogue, 4 June 2025
  • Parker Posey needed to prove herself all over again when making the jump from indie films to Hollywood productions.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Seyfried asked Brody of the next film, who said he hadn’t been contacted about the project but noted that his character died.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Giselle, a cheery woman in her forties from Yorkshire, England, asked.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • But Tyler, the Creator believes delusion is a must for artists and creatives across the board.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 May 2025
  • Plus, opting for styles in breezy linen is an absolute must for summer’s hotter weather.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The roughly two-week-long flight will be commanded by record-breaking former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is now Axiom's director of human spaceflight.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 12 June 2025
  • The top five digital platforms (Google, Meta, ByteDance, Amazon and Alibaba) will command more than half of global ad revenue.
    Gladys Kong, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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