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

Hochul signed the executive order Tuesday morning, establishing the one-year moratorium in state environmental permitting in response to the growing public concern over rising utility costs and demand for energy and water resources. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 July 2026 Nuclear energy is poised for a major comeback as countries look for ways to meet their energy demands without increasing their carbon emissions. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Verb

Following the announcement of Wells’ death on July 6, video of an altercation circulated that was believed by some to be Wells’ fighting with his friends and demanding his phone. — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026 Public pressure intensified as residents demanded accountability from county leaders. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for demand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand

Noun

Ericson said the request to further explore Midland came from several sources.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Spokespersons for Paxton’s campaign and office and the Texas Tech system did not immediately return requests for comment.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Definition of request

Noun

South Korean markets are closed for a public holiday, so stocks like Softbank and TSMC have attracted the most intense selling.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 July 2026
In January 2025, as the LA wildfires raged, people placed bets on Polymarket, one of the leading prediction market platforms.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 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

But using open source models does often require more technical expertise on the part of the companies deploying them.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 July 2026
The new law also now requires any presumptive large-scale data center to receive a public hearing from its local water management district before the district can issue a water use permit.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 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

Noun

These old folks would rather be short than long, and their short sales (which are bets that the stocks will go down lower) are part of the fuel that makes owning at least some of these a must.

— Jim Cramer, Contributor, CNBC, 16 July 2026
For an elevated yet quintessential camp-like experience, High Hampton is a must.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Definition of must

Verb

The sanctions bill has gone through several iterations but still commands a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 July 2026
Not many will have foreseen Norway’s commanding victory over Brazil, but the way Solbakken managed that game is testament to both his tactical intelligence and their squad depth.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of command

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demagogues

demand

demanded

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Style

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of demand

noun

verb

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