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 nation needs an ample supply for semiconductors, quantum and super computing, and superconducting magnets, added Robertson, who oversees the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Artificial intelligence needs as little as three seconds of you speaking to produce a convincing clone of your voice. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Golden Boot leader and NC Courage winger Ashley Sanchez needs one more goal to break Chawinga’s single-season record of 20 goals. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

The new bridge is expected to help move heavy equipment, raw materials and energy products that North Korea needs for development. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

To build a 125-point lead, Antonelli needs to win Sunday's race, with teammate George Russell finishing P9 or lower and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton P5 or lower. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 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

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

Noun

But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026

Lakshmana across Ramayana traditions Just as the Ramayana has been told in several ways across traditions, Lakshmana’s story has also continued to adapt and evolve according to the needs of the region or time. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Those needs must be considered to help their academic performance improve and, with it, the school’s ISBE classification. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

And yet there’s a downside when needs become fungible, and easily recast as preferences. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Latino voters were more evenly split between the two issues, and more focused on other needs than voters of other ethnic and racial groups. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Everything remains subordinate to the leader’s needs and whims. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

Some of those who worry that LTC products are somehow complex or defective and thus cannot meet their needs may understand very little about these new products. — David Chavern, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Hackett said adjusting investments to reflect personal financial goals, changes in risk tolerance, or shifting income needs are good reasons to make changes. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026