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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of require

Unfortunately, this requires using two logical qubits, and the Helios processor isn’t able to hold more than one distance seven error code at a time. — ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

When the war required evacuation of schools, colleges and government departments from London, Dillons (founded in 1936) followed London colleges into their new locations with small satellite shops. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

The planners told council members that the project would require a public hearing, special land use application approval by the City Council, and then a final site plan to proceed. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

About 5,000 square feet of commercial space is still planned for the new project but will require separate approvals, according to Lieuwen and the city staff report. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026