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
Meanwhile, if a child or creative partner needs reassurance, your practical words can vanquish their anxieties and ensure any plans move forward without pressure. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026 Every great travel wardrobe needs a reliable layer, which is why the Bond Tank by Lioness on Amazon is a no-brainer—especially for 50 percent off. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 Greenland currently needs Denmark’s approval to sign deals. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Jan. 2026 What Asheville needs now are travelers to share the love. Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026 Ryder selects a team of special agents based upon the problem that needs solving. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 To share data, Dexcom needs user consent. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 Your change program needs to provide team members with continuing evidence that the changes are working and spreading. Phil Gilbert, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025 Protein is an essential part of your diet, but consuming more than your body needs can cause problems. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
Southwestern President Mark Sanchez told the committee Tuesday that his school and its collaborators need to introduce an array of bachelor’s degree programs to help meet the needs of students and employers in South County, home to 500,000 people. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Depending on your space, heating needs, and comfort levels, a space heater can be an efficient heat source. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026 Only keep clothes for your current size, season, and work needs in your closet. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026 Advertisement Because women are socialized to be responsible, empathetic, and attuned to others’ needs, deciding to leave can result in feelings of guilt and shame. Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026 Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to enjoy hearty, comforting foods, while meeting your nutrition needs. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026 The key is watering with an eye on pot size, and the fruit's specific moisture needs. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026 Get ready for hunting season by browsing over 40 vendors selling a variety of goods for all your fishing and outdoor needs. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026 The request for additional money was made after underground utility and other site placement needs were identified while designing a new floor plan. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • Fits in regards to role and skillset are questioned on every roster and trade ideas are drummed up for solutions to problems that may not even necessarily exist.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
  • That said, Rooney does not view this moment of transition as any kind of reset or necessarily a rebuild.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The board’s unanimous vote came weeks after pension-plan actuaries confirmed the program would be cost-neutral, as state law requires.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The Act requires the violence or abuse to have been a ‘substantial contributing factor’ in the later criminal conduct.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • As argued in his book Abundance, Ezra Klein explains how America's growth has been hindered by well-meaning regulations, permitting requirements, and veto points that have blocked affordable housing, infrastructure, and clean energy development.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The committee floated a proposal to implement new requirements for where these businesses can be built in relation to each other, and to strengthen pre-existing requirements.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But advocates argued that merely checking a box to satisfy an audit does not necessarily mean improvements in animal welfare, as evidenced by several troubling incidents that occurred last year, which is why advocates want greater transparency into how the city is fulfilling its obligations.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The commission also emphasized that Verizon’s stricter unlocking obligations never applied industry-wide.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Public conversations about loneliness tend to collapse a distinction between feeling lonely and being socially isolated—the latter is an objective state that doesn’t inevitably mean a person feels the negative emotions of loneliness.
    Jenny Singer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Everything about the day went absolutely perfect, there was not a single thing that went wrong, and that was surreal too because in weddings usually something inevitably goes wrong.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Though designers will still prioritize efficiency, the triangle might not always be the default layout to achieve what a homeowner wants.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Transgender athlete wants to drop her challenge Lindsay Hecox, a transgender student at Boise State University who convinced lower courts to temporarily block enforcement of Idaho’s ban, now wants to abandon her case.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The price of household necessities rose in December over the previous month, even as inflation overall held steady.
    Allie Canal, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Include the necessities first, like a comfy chair and a small coffee table, and add decor second.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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