Synonyms of needs

needs 1 of 3

adverb

ˈnēdz 

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

• necessarily
• inevitably
• unavoidably
• ipso facto
• inescapably
• ineluctably
• perforce
• involuntarily

needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need

1

as in requires

to have as a requirement

a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requires
• wants
• takes
• demands
• involves
• necessitates
• challenges
• claims
• calls for
• warrants
• entails
• asks
• begs
• bears
• lacks
• insists
• cries (for)
• hurts (for)
• stipulates
• clamors (for)
• exacts
• commands
• enjoins
• presses
• quests

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• has
• holds
• owns
• possesses

2

as in must

to be under necessity or obligation to

you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• must
• should
• will
• shall
• has (to)
• ought (to)

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

1

as in requirements

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

got a job that barely provided for his basic needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requirements
• necessities
• musts
• demands
• requisites
• essentials
• needfuls
• necessaries
• conditions
• sine qua nons
• must-haves
• prerequisites
• preconditions
• advantages
• wishes
• pluses
• desiderata
• edges
• desiderations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonessentials
• surpluses
• comforts
• amenities
• luxuries
• nonnecessities
• extras
• frills
• extravagances
• indulgences
• superfluities
• surplusages

2

as in obligations

something one must do because of prior agreement

no need to apologize

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obligations
• responsibilities
• duties
• requirements
• promises
• commitments
• vows
• constraints
• burdens
• imperatives
• offices
• pledges
• charges
• dos
• payments
• words
• devoirs
• pacts
• incumbencies
• arrangements
• trusts
• contracts
• forces
• oaths
• setups
• debts
• restraints
• compulsions
• musts
• appointments
• covenants
• compacts
• reservations
• tributes
• prearrangements
• engagements
• troths
• duresses
• coercions
• onuses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stays
• exemptions
• graces
• options
• releases
• waivers
• discharges
• alternatives
• preferences
• choices
• eases
• reliefs
• postponements
• loopholes
• selections
• picks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of needs

Verb

The results, along with details of the tumor's molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

The ruling party needs a majority of at least 61 seats out of 120 in the Knesset. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026

Yeomans says the approach can work for a range of concerns, including oiliness, dullness, frizz and weak hair that needs strengthening. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

The package had been meant to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbor more than four years ago. — Will Weissert, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Engelbert didn't address any of those in her final state-of-the-league speech other than to say that the league needs to continue to support the players against the social media vitriol. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Alabama needs a rebound, and Tennessee needs a statement win. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

The results, along with details of the tumor’s molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Luna implores Yue, recently divorced, not to get stuck in a holding pattern, either in her career or her relationships — but Luna, too, needs to make some changes. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Noun

While many nations were already moving towards taking over their maternal and child health needs, lead times for orders can be a year or more, five former USAID officials said. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment prohibit deliberate indifference to prisoners’ medical needs. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

To do this requires getting to know your own needs and preferences — and learning how to communicate them. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026

Such arrangements can involve modifications to standard military equipment to meet a buyer’s operational needs. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

An initiative such as this helps organizations to understand developers’ needs and shows developers they’re valued. — Kevin Cochrane, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

According to the National Institutes of Health, different eating plans can support weight loss, but the most effective approach depends on a person's individual health needs, preferences and ability to maintain the habits long-term. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Critics say the soaring costs are depriving the city of money for pressing needs such as fixing roads and sidewalks. — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Oysters can effectively help raise iron levels in people with higher iron needs, such as those with heavy menstrual cycles or with low iron stores. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 9 Oct. 2026