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

So whole new genres emerged out of that demand — like reality TV stars and other characters engineered for that audience. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Advertisement With no end to the war in sight and an approaching winter that will see a rise in energy demand and costs, policymakers need to move quickly to offer relief to families. — Sanya Carley, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

Demonstrators filled the public squares, demanding early elections. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 For years, digital platforms have demanded more and more of our focus. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand

Noun

The event was held at the request of Epoch AI, an organization that benchmarks the progress of artificial intelligence systems.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
David Peck, Pourharton’s attorney, told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission that his client’s business has created no reason for rejecting the request, noting that GG hasn’t been the scene of arrests or police activity.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Thiel also secured New Zealand citizenship in 2011, receiving a special exemption from the usual residency requirements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The company said at the time that the facility would test battery performance, quality and durability under requirements specific to the region.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirement

Verb

The city’s postcard sights and destination-worthy dining spots require at least a 20-minute taxi drive or a hop on The Siam’s boat, which can drop you off at most piers along the river.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Twenty-three states have no rating from the big agencies at all, which locks them out of mandates that require one.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of require

Verb

In its base case, about 11 million workers, roughly 7% of the workforce, would need to leave their occupations entirely, with a range of 6 million to 16 million.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
Engineers needed the spacecraft to track specific targets with enough precision for reliable emissions measurements.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of need

Verb

The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Last month, Cate Blanchett, from the London stage of National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre after the curtain call of Electra/Persona, asked fans to put away their cellphones.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of ask

Noun

No matter your skin type, hydration is a must, and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is here to quench, replenish, and protect with broad-spectrum SPF 30.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
The breakfast buffet is a must to gain the energy to hike the trails through drenching spray later.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of must

Verb

Ponyboy Curtis was played by Jordan Deandre Williams, who conveys all the pent-up angst and heartbreak of the sensitive, literary 14-year-old protagonist when commanding a song.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Mid-market carve-outs rarely command a TSA long enough to deliberate, so the real skill is collecting and disseminating the supporting information quickly enough that leadership can make sound choices in rapid succession.

— Miki Kapoor, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

demagogues

demand

demanded

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of demand

noun

verb

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