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
The book does often feel like a recording of a mental jam session, but there is also a sense of being guided by a kind of hesitating yet urgent voice that needs to get things figured out. Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026 To monetize on YouTube, a channel needs to have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of annual viewing time, according to YouTube’s monetization policy. Lauren Wilson, NBC news, 31 May 2026 Moore said his daughter has a broken nose, black eyes, and a cut lip and needs to be tested for a possible concussion. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 31 May 2026 Whoever wins on Sunday inherits a club with a squad that needs significant rebuilding after two consecutive trophyless seasons, and both candidates are already talking transfers. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 That being said, White needs to better understand the assignment. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 This one will be an actual fundraise because OpenAI needs the money. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 31 May 2026 Every apartment needs personal touches to keep it from feeling overly staged, and these Quince Shagreen Picture Frames helped add that warmth while still looking incredibly chic. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026 The sense is that the slight 18-year-old almost certainly needs a loan elsewhere before staking a claim for regular inclusion in Moyes’ squad. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Noun
The orangutan care specialists spent months preparing Hesty to have the baby, using positive reinforcement to convince her to cooperate with testing and other needs. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 30 May 2026 This darling pair of Dolce Vita sandals has the prettiest beaded embellishment for all of your vacation wear needs. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 May 2026 Accessibility While the guest rooms are not fully accessible, the hotel team can make adjustments to ensure guests with specific needs are accommodated. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026 Regulators are expected to balance the best interests of consumers with the utility’s business needs. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026 For The Washington Post Flex spaces, those multiuse areas that bend and grow to accommodate the disparate and changing needs of a household, took off during the pandemic. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 For families who have spent years explaining their children's needs, finding spaces where explanation is unnecessary can feel powerful. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Gatherings work better when responsive to the needs and specifics of the people gathered. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 30 May 2026 Big plans, travel ideas, or a course schedule may clash with messages, neighborhood needs, or a sibling’s request. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • But property owners buckling under financial pressure isn’t necessarily justice.
    Jeremy Talcott, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
  • Because of that initial sort of outside aesthetic, these were not the forms that the critics were necessarily reviewing in the Sunday Times.
    Peter Larsen, Daily News, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • The program currently requires companies to submit a plan to the EPA outlining safety precautions, hazard assessments in the case of an accidental release and emergency response steps.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026
  • This super athletic girl requires a yard with a high fence.
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Makary drew criticism last year after the agency imposed stricter requirements on who could get Covid shots.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 29 May 2026
  • But only service members who are not overweight and fit certain height and weight requirements can attend, according to a screenshot of a Pentagon memo shared to a military Facebook group and a person familiar with the matter.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality obligations that make warning third parties ethically and legally complicated.
    Anat Lior, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • The only potential argument to sway someone who fervently believes that is appealing to their sense of solidarity—to the obligations that every member of society has to every other, to the sacrifices that everyone must make to ensure that society is safe for all.
    Diana Gitig, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2026
Adverb
  • This post will be updated as more information inevitably becomes available.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 31 May 2026
  • The Thunder will inevitably face change.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • My mom is turning 80 this year and wants a big party with ALL her family.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
  • Lappe wants to become one of the all-time greats to come out of Harvard-Westlake.
    gqlshare, Daily News, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • While that gain outpaced the rate of inflation in 2025, many workers were still feeling pinched by the accumulation of higher prices over the past few years and had to cut corners to make ends meet and run up credit card debt to pay for everyday necessities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
  • So there are some necessities for this defense to become a Cup contender, but the roster is in transition, and there are players who could fill those roles in the future.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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