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
Intel — The chip stock surged more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported better-than-expected revenue as demand for its core x86 processors for PCs recovered. Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 The astronomical energy demand for data centers has raised environmental concerns about AI as tech companies draw more electricity and drive up emissions from fossil fuel generation. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Teddy demands that Michelle take him and Don to her Andromedan leader in the hope of forcing the invaders to retreat. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Senate Democrats are demanding a deal to address the subsidies as part of any government funding measure, while Republicans say that Congress should end the shutdown and then have a conversation about the future of the credits. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
Noun
  • The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The offices of Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an era when multinationals are diversifying away from single-market dependencies, Minister Al-Falih’s remarks made clear that Riyadh wants to anchor that shift — offering predictability, efficiency, and partnership in a volatile world.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Most tickets on the resale market were selling for well north of $1,000 per seat in the days leading up to Game 1.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Qualls will face regular work reporting requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, as well as the quarterly wage checks that Louisiana Medicaid already conducts.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The chief appraiser then ensures each of the nominees are in good standing with the property tax code’s requirements.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Due process requires a commitment to the reasons punishment is sought and thus allows those reasons to be addressed and countered.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Elliott requires a period of adaptation.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the late 18th century, Paris’s existing cemeteries were causing public health problems, and the remains of more than six million people needed to be moved.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But other senior officials defended the decision, arguing that Latin America’s biggest economy needs to shore up its energy independence amid global economic uncertainty, and that Brazil should only transition away from fossil fuels as part of wider international efforts.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When asked whether the store will be back next year, Simonson said the company will evaluate changes to the property as needed.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • During his first Zoom consultation with clients, Perri always asked them to share their story.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dressing up was a must for kids.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And no matter the time of day or year, a stop at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to see some of the largest trees on the planet is a must.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Takaichi, whose party commands a minority government and has slid in successive elections, has little room for error during her tenure.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The man known as Supermex is also an idol for his humor, eloquence and ability to command the attention of fans.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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