1
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the demanding assignment kept them working all night long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exacting
hard to please
will play before a demanding audience of music critics, who are not easily impressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the demanding task of reading and grading student compositions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in requiring
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
2
as in needing
to have as a requirement
a task that demands one's unremitting attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in asking
to set or receive as a price
superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demanding
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The company aims to maintain production continuity to assist workers with repetitive, physically demanding tasks while upholding quality and safety standards.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
The detention of the four Oglala Sioux people quickly made national headlines, prompting outcry from Native American communities demanding their release and resulting in outright ICE bans on several reservations.
—Philip Wang, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for demanding
Adjective
That includes athletic training, emergency response and physically demanding jobs where speed and endurance make a real difference.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The company aims to maintain production continuity to assist workers with repetitive, physically demanding tasks while upholding quality and safety standards.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
Backlash has been swift among many leading Democrats, and even conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, calling Fine's comments bigoted and Islamophobic, and demanding he be censured and step down.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
The detention of the four Oglala Sioux people quickly made national headlines, prompting outcry from Native American communities demanding their release and resulting in outright ICE bans on several reservations.
—Philip Wang, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for demanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demanding
Adjective
-
The Dorm’s New ‘Frenemy’ Their quest will be all the more challenging when a new friend (or foe) appears in the dorm.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That Melania has very exacting taste in blouse necklines?—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In reality, expectations have become more exacting as the operating environment has fundamentally changed.—
Pam Kaur,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The voracious reader said that the best books, those that brought him happiness, were not the ones that ease our way in this strange and difficult world.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Local farmers work long hours, often under difficult conditions, to ensure our food supply remains steady.—
Joe Dymek,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Despite her mandate, however, the bar for revision is exceptionally high, requiring two-thirds support in both chambers and a majority in a public referendum.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Tunnels are also not truly watertight, requiring drainage measures like sump pumps and creating maintenance and reliability issues, the group advised.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Strain is experimenting with a different 3D printer material that biodegrades quickly without needing to be planted.—
TRAVIS LOLLER,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Thick or coarse hair becomes more controlled without needing grease or gel.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Now the place has once again returned to the market, this time asking the same exact price.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2026
-
To encourage more housing, Pritzker is asking lawmakers to limit local governments’ authority over certain residential zoning areas so that multi-family and other structures can be built.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Takaichi has proposed tougher policies on immigration and foreigners, something that resonates with a growing frustration in Japan.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Bryant was tough to stop and scored nine of her 23 points in the first quarter.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demanding. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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