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
There’s a lot of repairing and resolution that needs to happen in this final episode, but luckily things start strong with Liz and Jo-Ellen pulling each other aside to talk things through on the beach. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026 The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis. Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Since about half of revenues go to theater owners, the movie needs to generate roughly $300 million globally to justify its price tag. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 June 2026 Fabric for the ceremonial caps needs to be able to maintain its shape over time and be comfortable and safe to wear. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Gibson's acting is great, but special mention needs to be made for Heath Ledger as Martin's son, Gabriel, and Jason Isaacs as the villainous Colonel William Tavington, who is a delightfully hatable Redcoat. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 Water of the Ogallala needs to be used more judiciously. Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026 To win the World Cup, a team needs luck—luck that the ball bounces its way and its key players don’t get injured. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 And getting the word out that everybody needs to watch and celebrate because the show is going to lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Noun
District officials said staffing and budget decisions are made at the school and department level by building and department leaders based on the needs of individual schools and departments. Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 June 2026 Some put it toward their general budgets, while others target specific needs. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 The program, which began in September 2025, endeavors to cater to the nuns' medical care and material needs. Sophie Neiman, NPR, 20 June 2026 But most of this needs to be placed on the club's hitting. David Troy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 The Powdered Facial Masks can be mixed to customize according to your skin needs. ABC News, 20 June 2026 The highland Indigenous and rural workers groups — who long supported MAS but helped vault Paz to power last year — have led the protests, accusing his government of neglecting their needs since entering office. Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 The highland Indigenous and rural workers’ groups — who long supported MAS but helped vault Paz to power last year — have led the protests, accusing his government of neglecting their needs since entering office. Isabel Debre, Fortune, 20 June 2026 While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • With token prices dropping as new AI models become more efficient, the era of tokenmaxxing may be over, but that won’t necessarily solve companies’ AI budget crises.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • Children do not necessarily equate love with volume of gifts, and many parents today are actively trying to reduce clutter, overstimulation, and consumerism.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • The county exempted the proposal from CEQA, which requires projects to undergo an extensive state environmental review before breaking ground.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • But because Pennsylvania now requires absentee ballots to be received by Election Day, the date requirement no longer serves its intended purpose, Democrats argue.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Rule of 55 is more flexible, but eligibility requirements keep the option open to a limited group, advisers said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Now, Kubik and other residents are backing Bill 29-26, a countywide proposal that would add new buffer requirements for cannabis dispensaries.
    Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • From there, aspiring digital nomads should research countries offering remote-work visas, understand tax obligations, develop a realistic travel budget and assemble a technology setup that supports uninterrupted productivity.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Critics, particularly in the technology sector, argue the measure could force entrepreneurs and investors to sell assets to meet tax obligations, potentially disrupting businesses and discouraging investment.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026
Adverb
  • This inconsistency inevitably normalizes poor behaviors and breeds pockets of toxicity.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The shrewd, long-serving Obama hands Jarrett and Tina Tchen coached this project through all the minefields Chicago inevitably put in its way.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • In a crew filled with people convinced of the superiority of their own methods, Cooper just wants to look at peacocks, call his grandma, and engage in some PG-13 flirting with fellow innocent oddball Kat.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • Most significantly, Lee wants voters to grant the mayor’s office a veto over Oakland City Council decisions and absorb many day-to-day responsibilities of running the city.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Messi willed Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, won four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and was honored a record eight times with the Ballon d’Or, given the world’s top player each year.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • Brunson shot 7-of-22 in the first three quarters, but went 5-of-9 to secure another clutch finish to will his team to its 12th consecutive postseason win.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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