need 1 of 2

verb

Definition of neednext
1
as in to require
to have as a requirement a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

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2
as in to must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

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need

2 of 2

noun

ˈnēd How to pronounce need (audio)
1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful when it came time to wrap the presents, he found he was in need of adhesive tape

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2
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable got a job that barely provided for his basic needs

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3
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement no need to apologize

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions donating money to help those in need

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 need
Verb
For a stable, repo-local script, that critique holds, and wrapping every small command in a gateway adds surface area no one needs. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Mozeliak argues the team doesn’t need to tank to win, but rather act more like a big market team. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
The Kansas City Royals had a need for starting pitching ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026 But after losing her sister and taking charge of four children, her main need remains to recover a home for all of them. — Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
  1. require
  2. must
  3. lack
  4. requirement
  5. obligation
  6. poverty
  7. want
  8. necessity
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
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Definition of must
Noun
  • One Calabria hospital had lines several hours long Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy’s lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north.
    — Paolo Santalucia, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Josh Houston, who also filed complaints with state and federal agencies, said his biggest concern has been the lack of communication surrounding the project affecting the subdivision’s only access road.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of lack
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
Noun
  • Then, in 2012, redevelopment agencies were dissolved by the state and their obligations transferred to successor agencies.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Without a coordinated strategy, the cumulative risk can become significant even if each individual's obligation seems manageable.
    — Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Or that Franciscan fathers — members of an order dedicated to lives of poverty and humility — forced tribes to give up their foods, customs and religion in the name of Christ, rewarding them with serfdom.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • In recent years, Lampedusa has become Ground Zero of Europe’s migration debate as the continent struggles to police its borders while honoring its legal obligations to welcome refugees fleeing conflict, climate change and poverty.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of poverty
Verb
  • Kappel said the hall will be open to organizations in the community and the public for planning events, including musical programs, conferences, films, and lectures, as well as to business leaders who may want to host corporate events there.
    — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • McCarty added that Asylon wants to give aircraft maintainers tools that make inspections faster, safer, and more consistent.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of want
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the task of mediation was taken up by Qatar and Pakistan, with Pakistan becoming an unlikely host due to a combination of geographic necessity, deft diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances, analysts say.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • It is associated with being able to afford life’s necessities and the kind of strong economic rights found in Norway and other Scandinavian countries.
    — Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Definition of necessity

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Cite this Entry

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on need

Nglish: Translation of need for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about need

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