needs 1 of 3

Definition of needsnext
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
For Blackburn’s plan to work, the Tennis Channel needs to turn Indian Wells and the Miami Open into appointment viewing for a larger group of people. Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 The Heat needs to finish among the East’s top six teams to clinch a playoff spot without needing to take part in the play-in tournament. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 At the same time, the domestic box office is fragile, and the industry needs movies like Bride! Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026 Our 100-year-old municipal golf course needs major renovations and updating; the clubhouse needs some loving care. Betty Resch, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026 Try this with Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, carrots, or any fresh or frozen vegetable that needs a flavor boost. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026 For a museum to excel, there needs to be something for everyone, within the context of the museum’s mission. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Now, does this mean Bailey needs to give back the Rolex? Eric Stephens, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026 Those specialists estimated the building needs $329 million in urgent repairs and more than $1 billion over 20 years for full modernization. Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
But not all airlines hedge, and those that do are usually only protected for a portion of their fuel needs, meaning prolonged price surges may cause more carriers to raise fares. Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026 With Luna gliding into your ever-practical 6th house, you may be tempted to ignore your inner needs in favor of getting as much done as possible. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026 But not all airlines hedge, and those that do are usually only protected for a portion of their fuel needs, meaning prolonged price surges may cause more carriers to raise fares. Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 As always, check the product label for specifics on temperature ranges, as different products and different species of plants all have different needs. Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026 Under the program, funded with the remaining dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act, each supervisor was allocated $1 million to support projects that address their district’s needs. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026 This year, any attempt to raise money for local needs will almost certainly go down in flames, thanks to the irresponsible war that powerful Tallahassee interests have launched on Florida’s local governments. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 With recipes like these in the mix, consider your spring side dish needs officially sorted. Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026 For months, Temple Beth Or searched for a south Dade temple that could fit their needs. Lauren Costantino march 14, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • None of the above necessarily triggers a global recession or a devastating financial crisis.
    Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Taking back her power while also recognizing no amount of it or money will necessarily keep herself/her family safe.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The new law also requires some Medi-Cal enrollees (working-age adults without kids) to have their eligibility redetermined every six months instead of every year.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Miss Manners therefore requires turning one’s back — while also showing one’s profile and expressing thanks and apologies for stepping on toes and purse straps.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • If a teammate pushes for an answer, share your requirements and propose a reasonable timeframe that respects both schedules.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The Florida requirements would take effect next year.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The inputs are shrinking, and the obligations are not.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Following the game, Adebayo needed to fulfill media obligations after his historic night.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • There are a multitude of absurd high jinks and shenanigans (really the only words applicable here) that lead to Greg's decision to stay and inevitably fill each episode.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Without these two foundational pieces, the state’s national education standing will inevitably decline, and with it those envied AP scores.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s the version of himself Arenas wants to recapture.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • In the Afrikaans world of my childhood, dancing often meant the stolid vastrap (tight-step), the terrible langarm (long-arm, a two-step that desperately wants to be a one-step), or, worst of all, volkspele (national or popular games), compulsory in Afrikaans-medium state-run schools.
    Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On the restricted side of the budget, where funds are spent on necessities that are restricted to specific expenses, revenues are $33 million while expenses are $35 million, Long said.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
  • About a quarter of Americans today live paycheck to paycheck, spending more than 95% of their income on necessities.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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