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
Talk with family or housemates about what needs to happen next, then write it down so expectations are clear. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 This is an important skill for anyone who, like Fuqua, aims to make big and broadly entertaining films, and therefore needs to persuade executives to fund them and stars to appear in them. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Nelson feels the county also needs more dynamic representation and should be doing a much better job of communicating what the county is doing, how and why. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026 Denver desperately needs a young, athletic target for Bo Nix who can be a factor both as a blocker and as a receiver. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 What American journalism needs is a constructive intervention that strengthens the free market and leaves newsrooms free from the perception of state influence. Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026 The Agricultural Reserve needs a plan, not more exceptions. Mike Atchison, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026 The relief measure, which needs parliamentary approval, would come on top of a 250 million euro tax break approved nearly three weeks ago. ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 This fabric needs replacing every few years. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
Seasonal transitions impact plant care needs, making proper adjustments key to keeping them healthy. Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026 The Republican supermajority is reluctant to stop an unlimited cash flow to an ever-expanding school voucher program that bleeds billions from public schools, despite ample proof of sloppy bookkeeping and zero proof that voucher students’ needs are adequately met. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 In some cases, the process may include a formal diagnosis following clinical verification, along with an explanation of findings and general recommendations for support, which can vary depending on individual needs. Lucy Jones april 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026 The step supports the US Army’s robust artillery capability needs, and for the first time, ensures a second source producer of M776 cannons—the main armament for the M777 system used in critical operations across the globe. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026 Indonesia has the potential to meet these needs at scale. Pandu Sjahrir, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026 Each type of Treasury caters to different investor needs—from the inflation concerns of someone saving for retirement, to the investment strategy of an insurance company, to the cash management needs of an international shipping company. Colin Dodds, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Apr. 2026 Catholic Charities responds to some of our communities’ most urgent needs. Marek Kukulka, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026 Chadwick said the University of Kansas Hospital will continue partnerships with hospitals across the metro that provide PICU services to help meet patient needs. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • But McCarthy didn’t think more regulation was necessarily needed in Texas to curb accident rates.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2026
  • There is impermanence in this relationship, necessarily.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are many different types of crabgrass (Digitaria spp), but getting rid of them requires the same approach, says Waltz.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This requires careful monitoring of key parameters such as sugar and acidity from veraison through to harvest.
    Maureen Mackey , Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Wilfong said Villegas had been complying with all his immigration requirements since his release last year.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The expansion will include a gymnasium with flexible recreation space and a stage, a concession area and restrooms meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, a new lobby with play spaces and study nooks, and an elevated walking track.
    Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Whether your spring or upcoming summer schedule is packed with events and obligations, this dress makes picking an outfit effortless.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The amendments also provide for members to have equal rights and obligations unless the governing documents state otherwise.
    Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday that global growth will inevitably take a hit even if the ceasefire holds, citing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz as a persistent drag, pushing up energy costs and inflation.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • If Congress allows permitting reform to stall again, the United States will inevitably face higher energy costs, weaker energy reliability, and reduced geopolitical influence.
    Dan Romito, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Israel wants Lebanon’s government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Kennedy Center’s new leadership wants to prove to critics the building is damaged beyond simple repair.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The foldover design of this grab-and-go clutch is complete with two zip pockets and a magnetic snap closure, which provides enough room for necessities, according to reviewers.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The cardboard box became a symbol of both safety and dependence, at a time basic necessities were missing from store shelves.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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