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
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 Cade Cunningham, who would be a candidate for MVP and first-team All-NBA, needs two games to qualify for awards and will probably be held out of Sunday’s contest. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026 His pocket awareness still needs work, though, and the occasional scattershot stretch pops up from time to time. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 Families often rely on agencies not only for staffing, but for backup coverage when a caregiver is ill, faces transportation challenges, or needs time off. Jake Krilovich, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 Eighty seven percent say strait of Hormuz needs to be reopened. CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 This fabric needs replacing every few years. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 Minnesota needs backcourt depth. Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Secretary Marco Rubio is leading talks with Cuban leaders and said the country needs to make economic and political reforms and needs a change in leadership. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 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 the atomic collective is the living present, not ancient history – and a future that any new testing will necessarily produce.
    Magdalena Stawkowski, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
  • This just wasn’t the part of the show most came for, necessarily.
    Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 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
  • Proponents of lighter federal regulation argue that a national policy framework with minimal requirements—focused on energy and infrastructure concerns rather than comprehensive AI restrictions—better serves both innovation and public interest than aggressive preemptive regulation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The weeklong trip includes hotel stays, a custom itinerary, and social media storytelling requirements.
    Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 10 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
  • When one of us is unduly harmed, we are all inevitably diminished.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • And for many, that conversation inevitably turns to gold, and for good reason.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • October 23 – November 21 Creativity wants a stage — and willing partners.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has shown interest in a team in London; Qatar Sports Investment, the owners of soccer giant PSG, is eying one in Paris; and RedBird Capital, which owns AC Milan and is an investor in Paramount, wants a team in Milan.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Gone are the corporate and impersonal interiors, and here to stay are delicious, residential-feeling finishes such as iridescent chinoiserie wallpapers, fresh carpeting, and all-new necessities like televisions and phones.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Insurance changes, premium hikes, formulary shifts, and prior authorization barriers are routinely framed as administrative necessities.
    John Fomeche, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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