REQUIRE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r

Definition of require next

as in to need

to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

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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 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 require However, more recent cases of bird flu have generally been mild, with only one of the 61 cases in the U.S. experiencing severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 DeWine said Ohio should have a statewide policy requiring schools to offer religious release programs. —

Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024 Government workers go without pay during a shutdown, including essential employees still required to work, who are paid after funding is secured. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024 An emergency restraining order requiring the man to surrender his firearms to authorities identified him as Alexander Charles Paffendorf, 20. —

CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

Russia will also need some positive incentives to comply with a settlement.

Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Industry-wide initiatives, public-private partnerships, and working with policymakers are essential to creating the regulatory and market frameworks needed for a resilient future.

Mindy Lubber, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024