Synonyms of require

require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r 

as in to need

to have as a requirement

the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Synonyms & Similar Words

• need
• want
• take
• involve
• necessitate
• demand
• warrant
• call for
• claim
• challenge
• entail
• ask
• bear
• beg
• lack
• insist
• cry (for)
• hurt (for)
• stipulate
• enjoin
• exact
• quest
• clamor (for)
• command
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• have
• hold
• possess
• own

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb require contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of require are claim, demand, and exact. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation.

the patient requires constant attention

When is it sensible to use claim instead of require?

The synonyms claim and require are sometimes interchangeable, but claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right.

claimed the right to manage his own affairs

When is demand a more appropriate choice than require?

While the synonyms demand and require are close in meaning, demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

Where would exact be a reasonable alternative to require?

In some situations, the words exact and require are roughly equivalent. However, exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Examples of require in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The past seven-plus years at Sony has been an invigorating experience that required him to summon all of the skills he’s developed over the decades, and more. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024

That includes one that required the number of ballots to be hand-counted after the polls close. —Alanna Durkin Richer, TIME, 20 Oct. 2024

All strolls to and from the vehicle or to the observation decks require a tight, single-file line. —Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

Less than 4% of people who experience a severe allergic reaction require hospitalization.2 Living With and Managing Anaphylaxis Living with the risk of anaphylaxis for you or a loved one can be frightening. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 19 Oct. 2024