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
Condominium values are down across Miami-Dade County, with slight declines in the city of Miami and steeper slides on the coast as pressure from new state rules and weaker demand takes a hit on prices, according to data released this week from the Property Appraiser’s Office. Douglas Hanks july 5, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025 Because of sluggish demand, Motorola struggled to achieve the cost savings from making Moto X in huge numbers. Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Verb
Buyers will demand it, and regulators will require it. Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025 Viewers had been vocal on social media, publicly demanding her removal from Love Island USA, and Sunday’s episode addressed her exit after she was heavily edited out before it was announced. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
Noun
  • Florida Emergency Management and ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Also this week, Hippler denied the defense's request to delay the trial.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • But bookings in the short-term rental market are pacing 15% ahead of this time last year.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • The findings suggest that the fundamentals of housing in Raleigh, Orlando, or Miami are not so different from every other hot real estate market in the country.
    Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the new regulations, the most consequential are: 1) the requirement that climbers must summit at least one 7,000-meter (22,965-foot) peak in Nepal before applying for a permit for Mount Everest, and 2) the ban on solo expeditions on Mount Everest and all other 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The lawsuit claims the picnics are charitable expressive conduct and acts of peaceful assembly, and argues Tempe's permit requirements violate the advocates' First and 14th Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech and assembly, and ensure due process and equal protection under the law.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • While tomato plants require full sun for the best performance, the fruits themselves do not require sun exposure to ripen.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Just unfold the walls and connect them together—no sawing, drilling, or hard hat required.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Missouri is one of the 29 states that requires vehicles to use front and back license plates, while Kansas vehicles only need the rear one, according to an article on Insurance.com.
    Eleanor Nash July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • In a recent interview, when Variety asked Taylor Frankie Paul, the show’s central figure, whether Affleck is back in #MomTok, Paul struck a welcoming note.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 1 July 2025
  • The drama wasn't over after the final vote -- Murkowski appeared exasperated when asked about Paul's criticism over her vote and what deals Alaska might have benefitted from.
    Isabella Murray, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Finally, and perhaps most obviously, in today’s office world, drinks and snacks are a must.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Pasta salad is always a must at the potluck, and this one has been around for a very long time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Mize, though, is commanding the ball better than ever before, posting career highs in strike percentage and thriving with a career-best 69.7 first-pitch strike rate.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Oversight is divided between U.S. Army commands in Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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