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

A little space could reveal what actually needs fixing and what simply needs to settle. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

It's 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. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Not everything worthwhile needs to produce a skill, result, or charming anecdote. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

It’s 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. — Seung Min Kim, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Researchers have confirmed the cat only in Bolivia so far and warn its cloud-forest habitat, already pressured by deforestation and gold mining, needs protection. — Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

In California, most of the population needs to venture to remote corners of the state to see the stars in their full glory. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Aperol—the vivid orange bittersweet liqueur, irreplaceable in neo-classics like the Naked & Famous and the Paper Plane—needs no introduction. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026

Taylor only needs to look back to the two best seasons of his tenure, when the Bengals were 5-4 at a midseason bye each year. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

While intended to shield ordinary consumers and blunt public backlash, the move significantly increases operational costs for data centers, further driving up project financing needs. — CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

The fulfillment of basic needs also factors into recovery, the authors added, as do enhancements or improvements in social support, spirituality, physical and mental health, and other aspects of well-being. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

When Sarah has more set up for Flour & Fern, there will be posts here directing you to where to find us for all of your future event and day-to-day needs! — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Our research suggests that expanding these programs with the unique needs of mothers and babies in mind could help guarantee their human right to housing, cut down on homelessness and prevent family separations. — Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

Ibrahim says the team focused on matching each project’s specific needs with the industry expertise available at the festival. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Of course, as with any fashion category, the true magic of shacket styling begins with finding the right one for your needs. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

The city's Planning and Zoning committee recommended approving the permit in August, citing adequate space, parking, and other needs to hold the event on private property. — Eric Valadez, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

The family has several immediate needs, including clothing, food, personal items and help with temporary living expenses, Sharp said. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026