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
Perfect for making ahead, this recipe needs 8 hours of chill time. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 At the same time, there needs to be a clear level of artistic intention and understanding in how an idea is communicated with the viewer. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 The analyst argues that WMB's valuation framework needs rethinking as the company is moving back to transmission, making its earnings and growth profile similar to a higher-growth industrial company than a conventional midstream operator. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 Congress needs to understand our objectives and our operational limits. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026 This ticket needs to be cashed at one of the Florida Lottery offices. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2026 The zippered handwarmer pockets on the exterior of the jacket are huge, while the inside mesh pockets are large enough to pack snacks, extra gloves, or whatever your adventure needs. Outside, 28 Feb. 2026 Hey, every religion needs a heel. Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026 For the sanctions to pass, the 27-nation bloc needs to reach a unanimous decision. Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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 Name your needs so trust grows and closeness deepens naturally. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026 Consider the visual weight of your furnishings and the size and light filtration of your space when selecting your furniture layout and needs. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026 Many are living with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs after decades of demanding public service. Maryann Berto, 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 The Falcons have needs at all three. Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 28 Feb. 2026 As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026 An internal audit uncovered purchases that did not match the residents' needs, police said. Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 21 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
  • That requires short, sharp passing and strength in tight spaces.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Although the primary job of Bureau of Reclamation is to operate dams to supply water and power, the Grand Canyon Protection Act requires it to balance those needs with environmental protection.
    Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 28 Feb. 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
  • In fact, owing taxes is an all too predictable outcome of a withholding structure that expects workers not only to understand but to anticipate complex tax consequences months in advance, while navigating work, family and other obligations.
    Sakinah Tillman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Banks will often invest in affordable housing to meet the act’s obligations.
    Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The boy, the man, and the elder reappear throughout the film, foraging and inevitably falling asleep beneath the trees at sunset, a liminal hour associated with the forest’s hallucinogenic properties.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
  • But there would inevitably be some who insisted that the bereaved also join in the singing.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 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 7 Mar. 2026.

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