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

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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
Klaebo needs three more gold medals or five of any color to break the Olympic record, held by countryman Bjørn Daehlie. Alex Valdes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Explaining that Chardonnay needs cooler conditions to do well, Carpenter points out that in Napa, that restricts winemakers to the southern part of the valley close to the bay or to very specific spots in the mountains. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026 Known for his flexibility in negotiations, Lamont needs to reach compromises in the coming months with Democrats who control the state House of Representatives and Senate by veto-proof margins. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 To keep up with the pace, training needs to be ongoing. Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 There needs to be crackdowns on breeders. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026 The brain needs regular stimulation, not just two days this month, but every day this month. Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026 Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the disinfectant product, including contact time (the time the surface needs to remain wet with the disinfectant to be effective). Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026 Chief Henry has always been open to showing up in community, wherever community needs him. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Naz Ahmad is the co-director of a clinic at the City University of New York School of Law that aims to meet unmet legal needs for Muslim and other communities. Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026 Other clergy arrange haircuts and grocery deliveries to help meet people’s basic needs. Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026 While this question is inherently subjective based on each traveler’s needs and budget, Hochberg found that the Royal Beach Club provides one of the better value propositions for shore excursions in Nassau. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 Loft spaces, finished basements, dens, and extra bedrooms offer families and buyers more room to meet their myriad needs. Cori Sears, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026 There are powerful voices in and around state government who look at Connecticut and see only unmet needs. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026 Duncan said something will have to be cut in order to meet the needs of all departments. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026 Geisler notes that a single individual may manage care for aging parents while also coordinating medical needs for their children. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026 The vehicles can also be built to be recoverable in support of ever-changing mission needs. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • The study didn’t determine whether any particular amount of chemical exposure from the hair extensions was above legal standards or would necessarily cause health issues in people, however.
    Aude Konan, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Still, the details show a job market that is improving, without necessarily broadening.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This requires missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and other (air defense) systems.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Protecting healthcare also requires broad public understanding and sustained community engagement.
    Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Still, broad bipartisan majorities support photo ID requirements, according to recent polling by Pew Research Center.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The missive comes as Florida enforces a sweeping ban on gender-affirming care for minors and dismantles traditional accreditation requirements for lawyers and universities.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Values to be tested Its obsession is also unusual in an industry prone to mission drift, where tech companies are founded on noble notions of improving humanity — before the obligations to investors take over.
    Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Instead of using those safeguards, the administration has layered additional education spending on top of the Blueprint, increasing long-term obligations while ignoring current fiscal constraints.
    J.B. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • That exposure inevitably extends to a bump in streams.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Yet the great ones, once in the playoffs, are inevitably going to slow things down — and try to drag the burgundy and blue into the mud right along with them.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • New York's new socialist mayor wants to tax corporations and wealthy New Yorkers to finance the city's $12 billion budget deficit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The big question might end up being how long Lutnick, who doesn’t exactly need the job of commerce secretary, wants to remain a punching bag — especially with Democrats favored to win control of the House later this year.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Forego sterile minimalism and use this $10 glass bottle to house everyday necessities like vitamins and mouthwash to be visible and within arms’ reach.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In January 2018, Cora, a team contingent, and Boston Mayor Marty Wash flew to Puerto Rico to deliver 10 tons of medical supplies, water filtration systems, other necessities, and a monetary donation.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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