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
That ambition is also tied to Guyana’s broader energy strategy, aimed at ensuring that the region’s fuel needs can increasingly be met from Guyanese production. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026 Yet data centers can also consume massive amounts of water and energy; the Quantum Frederick campus, once fully built out, will consume 864 megawatts of electricity, dwarfing the county’s current electricity needs. Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026 The main living areas and bedrooms are on one level, with a family room, separate bedroom and bath suite — a good set-up for multi-generational housing needs. David Caraccio march 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026 When the conversation centers on the broker’s accomplishments instead of the owner’s needs, confidence erodes. Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026 Conduct a soil test to determine soil pH and nutrition needs. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 Many of the children come from high-needs populations, as Nationwide serves families that are uninsured or on Medicaid. Makiya Seminera The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026 Across New York, charter schools serving predominantly high-needs Black and Latino students have shown that income doesn’t have to dictate achievement, with strong gains on state exams that rival the highest-performing schools. Jacquelyn Martell, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026 The design team might need to accommodate other needs, too, like designing cabinetry to accommodate older clients, raising washing machines and dryers to keep them from straining to remove clothes and moving them. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • Superstars don’t stay relevant by doing what people expect, or even what their fans necessarily want.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
  • With Murray’s tape-studying habits an issue in the past, that wouldn’t necessarily be a fit for the culture Miami wants to establish.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Considering the extreme energy and ultrafast tempo the music requires, hardcore shows can be exhausting for all involved — and transformative.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Using biometrics as part of logins can speed up this process and improve security, but that requires an investment in technology implementation and training to use it.
    Don Aviv, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The company, however, remains entangled in several ongoing lawsuits, including one in which a state judge ruled last week that Sable still needed to comply with state and local requirements before a restart as outlined in the federal consent decree that followed the 2015 spill.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Peters was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count each of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failure to comply with the requirements of the secretary of state.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But that's not the utility's responsibility to take on those costs and obligations.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The trend is already changing the stakes for businesses that have traditionally had no need to borrow, introducing a new layer of stakeholders, obligations, and risks that are transforming how internet companies operate and how they are valued by investors.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 7 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
  • The market wants to see material upside.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Rivas wants to be accessible to residents, defend voting access and expand public health.
    Rachel Royster Updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Forego sterile minimalism and use this $14 two-pack of glass bottles for everyday everyday necessities like vitamins and mouthwash to be visible and within arm’s reach.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
  • People were detained on the basis of their appearance or accent, and the violent encounters on the streets made many residents afraid to go out even to purchase groceries or other basic necessities.
    Kica Matos, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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