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

Northwestern University received more than 53,000 applications for the Class of 2029 and maintained an admission rate near 7%, underscoring sustained demand for a university that combines top-tier academics with Big Ten culture. — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Domestic demand for graphite is expected to reach 72,000 tonnes per year by 2035. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Verb

Thailand is not the only country to have a law demanding filial support, with similar legislation in existence and in development across the continent. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 July 2026 The article argues the US must first ensure work is healthy, secure, and predictable before demanding longer working lives. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for demand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand

Noun

The Interior Department did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request when asked on Friday if the panels will be replaced by the July 4 holiday this weekend.

— Deena Zaru, ABC News, 3 July 2026
This change was implemented at the request of the state's board of education.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Gifts from foundations, such as those backed by the Samueli and Sun families, rose by about 3%, despite huge gains in stock markets and other assets that typically boost the financial health of foundations.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
As the market scales and visibility increases, legislative frameworks are likely to follow.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of market

Noun

With low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround, Gripen provides an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain, according to the company.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
DAFs carry no legal payout requirement — the dollars are irrevocably committed to charity, but on no particular schedule.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of requirement

Verb

The deployment aims to reduce the time required for general visual inspections while improving consistency across repetitive maintenance tasks.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
The directives also require the companies to remove, within 45 days, the millions of pounds of rotting food inside the warehouse.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of require

Verb

If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of need

Verb

When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

The complaint also accuses G-MAC of violating Title IX, a federal law that commands gender equity in college sports.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Combined with Sky, the business would command about 20% of in-home viewing in Britain, second to the BBC and ahead of YouTube.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of demand

noun

verb

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