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
Producing energy is valuable; having the infrastructure and policy framework to direct it where it is needed during a crisis is something else. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Work could demand your attention just when home needs you too. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
However, with that beauty comes the need to clean these tiles properly so that the finish isn’t be ruined. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026 Throughout the hotel, expect to be greeted with friendly faces eager to assist with any need. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 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
  • Matt Bevin has missed several court dates in the case and did not attend the May 29 hearing in person as required by the judge, appearing via Zoom instead.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Doing the math, that leaves two other units with residents who will have a say since allowing the foundation to take over the entire space would require changing the co-op’s bylaws, Richards said.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 3 Sep. 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
  • This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.
    — Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.
    — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Any player in the Italian top flight who has a heart condition or has undergone related surgery must pass Serie A’s sporting fitness requirements before returning to play.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
    — Emma Clapp, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This is not just diversity as a social obligation but also diversity of expertise that maps to where your company is actually going.
    — Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Over the next three decades, soaring demand for the fruit transformed Michoacán state into the center of global avocado production — and catapulted a generation of people like Pancho from poverty into the middle class.
    — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to the 2026 State of ALICE report, 47% of Florida households were either living below the federal poverty level or earning above it but still unable to afford basic necessities.
    — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of poverty
Verb
  • With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.
    — Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of want
Noun
  • The Democratic candidate for governor is proposing to allow cities and counties to temporarily suspend or eliminate local sales tax on groceries, baby formula, diapers, feminine hygiene products and other necessities.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His occasional free-agent splurges obscured an organizational myopia that left his team with scant investments in staffing, analytical advancements and technological necessities.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessity

Browse Nearby Words

nectars
need
needed
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Cite this Entry

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on need

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about need

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