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

But mapping out who was trading with whom is another, and much more complicated, puzzle entirely, one that is going to require a lot more archaeological evidence. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Last year, Congress revoked California’s authority to put in place its Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which would have required a significant percentage of medium- and heavy-duty truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Military applications also require material that ordinary commodity supply may not meet. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Most require an ongoing subscription on top of the hardware cost, according to Business Insider. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026