need 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

need

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noun

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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
His services were needed in the bullpen. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 This team needs to take chances and be a little gritty this season. Mike Kaye september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The need to have a spacecraft in orbit ready to react to an incoming interstellar object, such as 3I/ATLAS, has been considered before. Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025 To prevent this, the doctor emphasizes the need for adequate daily protein and consistent strength training. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
  • That may require surgical correction.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintaining the federalized police force beyond 30 days, however, would have required action from Congress.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s encouragement of Walker was enough to spur him into the race, though Republicans as a whole were hesitant, given Walker’s lack of experience and standing as an unknown quantity among GOP voters.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Traditional data lakes can store raw data at scale but lack quality controls, while warehouses enforce structure but struggle with unstructured or fast changing data.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, a tote that can hold a laptop is a must in our book these days for working on the go.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Tents Create Atmosphere, Not Just Shelter Tents are a must for outdoor parties, but not for the reason most think.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Similar American drone sales to the UAE and Qatar will likely proceed once Washington reinterprets its obligations under that 1987 treaty, and will probably exceed the number China has sold to the region to date.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Live records could also be a way of fulfilling a contractual obligation (too many examples to cite) or a way to mollify fans who were going to have to wait a while for another studio record (Fleetwood Mac’s 1980’s concert record, which bridged the gap between Tusk and Mirage).
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Also, unfavorable factors are the extension price tag that can top tens of billions of dollars annually, and eligibility that includes those making 400% the poverty rate.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Why are more seniors falling into poverty?
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 1780, John Adams wanted the Continental Congress to standardize English, but the proposal to mandate English was rejected.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The kickoff trend NFL officials have wanted the kickoff to return to relevance, and after modifications to the play last season and one final modification to the rules this offseason, the goal appears attainable.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Then, in January 2025, the government introduced a Social Media Bill that placed further requirements on social media platforms.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Over the years, the government's reporting requirements have changed, which makes historical comparisons a little tricky.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Accountability requires taking personal responsibility for your cognitive development.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This shift represents a fundamental change in how professional development happens, with corporations taking direct responsibility for credentialing workers in emerging technologies.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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