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

The Byrd Rule, named after the late Sen. Robert Byrd, requires that all provisions in a bill passed under reconciliation relate directly to the budget. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 23 June 2025

Prior authorization requires health care providers to obtain insurer approval before covering a service, such as an imaging exam or a prescription. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

That’s right, the first step in unveiling a bottle of the 51 requires swinging—or rather, tapping—a custom hammer on the shell that incases the bottle. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025

The office of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said yesterday that the provision requiring litigants to post bonds has been struck from the legislation. —ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025