1
as in to require
to have as a requirement
a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
got a job that barely provided for his basic needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
no need to apologize
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
donating money to help those in need
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Rachel Bustamante, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2025
Though not a formal cancellation, if ABC does eventually want Doc Od to return, producers would need to re-sign all lead actors to new deals.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 28 June 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
The need to be seen amongst your peers can create tension during the Leo moon.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
In this kind of extreme heat — and in a world growing hotter every year — communities need reliable access to safe, free drinking water.
—Rachel Bustamante, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2025
Though not a formal cancellation, if ABC does eventually want Doc Od to return, producers would need to re-sign all lead actors to new deals.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 28 June 2025
Noun
The acquisition checks off one of the Panthers’ needs for this offseason.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
The need to be seen amongst your peers can create tension during the Leo moon.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
Merging those datasets into a unified Salesforce environment requires careful data mapping to ensure that fields align effectively and relationships between unique data objects are preserved.—
Vamsi Gosu,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
The underground site at Fordow required the use of sophisticated bunker-buster bombs.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Reports have also indicated that Watt is upset with the organization over a lack of a deal, which could lead to a split.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
Overnight low temperatures are rising nearly twice as fast as afternoon highs, and this lack of relief during the night poses a significant health risk -- particularly for those without access to air conditioning, according to the assessment.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Reebok Women's Classic Az Legacy Sneakers Comfy walking shoes are a must, given how much walking a trip to Japan entails.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 June 2025
-
To keep our existing customers engaged and attract new ones, continuous product improvement is a must.—
Illia Smoliienko,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
During a Monday appearance on Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration had taken steps to inform senior Democratic leaders about the strikes in advance, despite having no obligation to do so.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
-
Iran likely would not have been able to breach its nonproliferation obligations — as reported by the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency — had Trump not trashed the pact that President Obama and other world powers, including Russia, made with Iran to limit its nuclear program.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Norms are being shattered, aid budgets for the poorest and most vulnerable are being slashed, and for the first time in a generation, extreme poverty has been on the rise.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Every day, thousands of street vendors set up shop on a piece of pavement in Los Angeles and beyond to make a living and create a path out of poverty or to have their own bricks-and-mortar one day.—
Fidel Martinez,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Those who have questions about this program, or who want to inquire about other activities and volunteer opportunities, may call DMCC during business hours at (858) 792-7565, email dmcc@dmcc.cc or visit the website at www.dmcc.cc.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Trump also wants the Federal Reserve to lower rates, another goal that would be set back by higher inflation.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
To choose a floor plan that works for your family now—and ten years from now—experts recommend considering key factors such as lifestyle needs, site-specific restrictions, storage requirements, long-term family planning, and budget constraints.—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin,
Southern Living,
26 June 2025
-
For instance, the Nevada Department of Transportation has adopted Commvault’s PQC tools to meet government security requirements and protect sensitive information.—
Robert Kramer,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba suggested ISIS as a likely culprit following a preliminary investigation.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
-
Hackers aligned with Iran have claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on President Trump’s Truth Social platform, according to the cyber nonprofit Center for Internet Security (CIS).—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share