1
as in to require
to have as a requirement
a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of need
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds My ADHD brain needs fewer distractions, especially in the air.
—Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
The upside is extraordinary, but so is the need for grit, hunger, and discipline.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
Whether any of those challenges succeed would need to be determined by courts.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds My ADHD brain needs fewer distractions, especially in the air.
—Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Generic Modern Prefab Tiny Home Customization adds another layer of appeal, with door options ranging from steel to French glass to match your style—or security needs.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
The upside is extraordinary, but so is the need for grit, hunger, and discipline.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since September 2024, a new federal law requires mammogram reports to state whether breast tissue is dense, and to mention the possibility of additional imaging.—
Dr. Megha Gupta,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Youths frustrated at a social media ban, corruption and lack of economic opportunities coordinated mass protests via Discord that helped bring down the government.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
If the shutdown drags on, the lack of government data could strain investors’ understanding of the health of the labor market and path of inflation at a time when stocks are historically expensive and vulnerable to a surprise.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But staying relevant in the digital landscape, especially as AI enters the mix, is a must.—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
It’s located off the southeast end of campus near the UF Health Shands Hospital and the Cade Museum (a must for families), putting restaurants and gameday activities only a short drive away.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The city’s obligations with the Civic had ended when its lease expired the month before.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Dalio’s debt-cycle warning Dalio has spent decades studying how countries borrow, boom, and then buckle under the weight of their obligations.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Families with incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in Wisconsin Shares, and may remain eligible until their income reaches 85% of the state median income.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
If not renewed, those earning above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose subsidies, while those below 100% will see reduced support.—
Beth Warren,
Nashville Tennessean,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Even if Schottenheimer wants to deny it, a lot of the grit that players and the owner pointed to that was shown in the game goes right back to him.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The purpose of Villa’s deep build-up is to coax opponents into pressing or, as in chess, move into positions Emery wants them, opening passing lanes into his attacking midfielders.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Some states have instituted requirements for websites with adult or pornographic content to verify visitors' age before granting access, although tech experts have pointed out VPNs can be used to get around those guardrails.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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There will be 223 new apartments available altogether, once the Union at Rose Park is completed, and 165 of those will be considered affordable housing for lower-income residents, a requirement of each development's tax incremental financing.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots toward crowds in some instances and denied responsibility for other casualties near aid hubs.—
Soph Warnes,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Bigger responsibilities were on the horizon.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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