Synonyms of demand

demand 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈmand 

1

as in request

something that someone insists upon having

agreed to the customer's demand for a refund

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• requirement
• wish
• requisition
• desire
• claim
• ultimatum
• need
• must
• importunity
• dun
• stipulation
• provision
• essential
• imposition
• want
• basic
• drive
• condition

2

as in market

the state of being sought after especially for purchase

a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

• market
• request
• call
• bull market
• bear market
• seller's market
• buyer's market

3

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

• requirement
• must
• necessity
• necessary
• need
• requisite
• essential
• must-have
• needful
• condition
• sine qua non
• precondition
• prerequisite
• advantage
• wish
• plus
• edge
• desideratum
• desideration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• surplus
• extra
• luxury
• comfort
• indulgence
• nonnecessity
• extravagance
• nonessential
• surplusage
• superfluity
• amenity
• frill

demand

2 of 2

verb

1

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

• request
• require
• command
• claim
• want
• ask
• need
• exact
• call (for)
• quest
• insist (on)
• enjoin
• press (for)
• stipulate (for)
• clamor (for)
• necessitate
• take
• impose
• warrant
• plead (for)
• cry (for)
• requisition
• harass
• hound
• dun
• badger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield
• surrender
• give up
• relinquish

2

as in to need

to have as a requirement

a task that demands one's unremitting attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• need
• require
• want
• take
• necessitate
• challenge
• claim
• involve
• warrant
• call for
• ask
• bear
• beg
• lack
• entail
• insist
• cry (for)
• hurt (for)
• exact
• stipulate
• quest
• enjoin
• clamor (for)
• command
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• have
• hold
• possess
• own

3

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

• ask
• charge
• command
• fetch
• bring
• price
• sell (for)
• discount
• value
• assess
• overcharge
• mark up
• undercharge
• bill
• mark down
• invoice

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

Recent Examples of demand

Noun

That projection of strength may be surprising given the very real challenges China faces, including an economy struggling from a prolonged property crisis, weak consumer demand, and entrenched deflation. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 May 2026

The Fed, however, sets rates based on economic conditions and the outlook, not the demands of a sitting president — a feature enshrined in the congressional charter that established the Fed in 1913, and also a cornerstone of the US economy’s stability. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 15 May 2026

Verb

The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold. —David Westin, Fortune, 16 May 2026

Dispute over wages The union has demanded a total raise of 16% over four years, saying it is needed to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 16 May 2026