needs 1 of 3

as in necessarily
because of necessity the dangers of global warming must needs be recognized—and recognized soon—by the industrialized nations of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need
1
2
as in must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

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 needs
Verb
But other senior officials defended the decision, arguing that Latin America’s biggest economy needs to shore up its energy independence amid global economic uncertainty, and that Brazil should only transition away from fossil fuels as part of wider international efforts. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Hot casseroles or anything that needs refrigeration is out. Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 One thing for certain is the team needs to have a plan after trading away Rafael Devers knowing this could have happened. Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 So Gonzales needs to spark a Florida offense predicated on a five-star quarterback, two four-star freshman receivers and a running back who just rushed for 150 yards in Napier’s ouster. Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 So what insight needs to be incorporated into your daily life to stay true to your desires without losing connection with others? Colin Bedell, Them., 21 Oct. 2025 This defense needs help in myriad ways. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025 Three Democrats have joined Republicans but the GOP needs another five Democrats to overcome a 60-vote threshold to send the legislation to Trump. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 The world needs the Irwin family. Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
Besides regularly removing dust that forms on the fan blades, cleaning needs can also change with the seasons. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 Prisoners are not allowed to keep money behind bars, but cash can be provided by family members to a commissary fund used to buy food, toiletries and other minor needs, according to the Prison Fellowship. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025 But streaming subscribers often see an array of commercials that make use of geography, demographics and consumer preferences to dovetail with the needs of the person watching. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025 Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs. Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025 Clarksville is one of Austin’s few truly walkable neighborhoods, with a main commercial street, school, and public park all within a roughly square-mile radius, satisfying the needs of daily life. Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025 For many teens, this creates a conflict between being a reliable athlete and acknowledging their own personal physical needs. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025 Veterinarians at Dogster say that a consistent routine reduces anxiety by offering predictability, helping canines feel secure and understand that their needs will be met. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 She was celebrated for voicing the needs of songwriters, including better pay and access to affordable healthcare, during her Best New Artist Grammy speech earlier this year. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • The results don’t suggest that either form of storytelling—conceptual or perceptual—is necessarily easier to remember than the other; participants in the new study recalled the stories told in these two ways roughly equally.
    Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Desai, who wasn't involved in this study, doesn't think the sport is necessarily getting more dangerous.
    Arundathi Nair, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The parts of California where going someplace requires getting on a highway and driving for thirty minutes feel like both Costco’s native habitat and my own.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Overlooking Eaton Place, the sky-high oasis offers the privacy and luxury that a rock legend requires.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lakeside Memorial Park in downtown Forest Lake is excluded from the distance requirements due to the close proximity of downtown to the park, Chaika said.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Duffy’s comments come after some high-profile fatal crashes have sparked public debate over requirements for CDLs.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Businesses that operate in legal gray zones have a tendency to treat regulations more as suggestions than obligations.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • On Saturday, Israel said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which had been expected to be reopened this week, would remain closed and that its reopening would depend on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire.
    Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Throughout history, authoritarian governments have inevitably turned their eyes to faith.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Everyone would sit at the dinner table expectantly, their pork chops in front of them, waiting for a knock at the door that would, inevitably, never come.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An offense that wants to be in 12 personnel as often as the Commanders do (on about 24 percent of offensive snaps since the start of last season) had to build a tight ends room where players weren’t just carbon copies, but had above-average traits in areas that complemented one another.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Politically or electorally speaking, Maoism could hardly be less relevant in this day and age—no one wants egalitarian totalitarianism anymore than (most) people want fascism.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The issues of affordability and the cost of necessities are gaining in political importance.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • There is also plenty of storage for gear and other necessities, both inside and out.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In applications and interviews, parents should talk about juggling kids' activities alongside volunteering at schools and other responsibilities.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • And naturally, there's bound to be skepticism about a college coach's ability to transition to the very different responsibilities of managing a 162-game season and a roster of 26 professionals.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on needs

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!