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

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 CarShield requires 25 days and 500 miles before its warranty takes effect, which is less than many competitors. Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025 Infuriating liberals, the reforms required recipients to work after two years of welfare, put a five-year lifetime limit on federal welfare benefits and encouraged two-parent families. Daily Briefing, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2025 Duggan went on to highlight even more of Sheffield’s previous moves, such as sponsoring an ordinance that requires housing developers seeking city aid to put aside 20% as affordable housing units. Dana Afana, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025 Leveraging automation and technology can be instrumental in managing and detailing the precise steps required for establishing a robust cyber hygiene framework. Saakshar Duggal, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for require
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
Verb
  • This creates the potential for additional refund liabilities stretching into hundreds of billions more—a cascading series of fiscal obligations that Treasury markets would need to absorb over the coming years.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For decades, conventional wisdom said Americans didn’t want affordable housing in their own communities.
    Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Every other player in college football pales compared to the want-to-see hype.
    Eduardo Razo, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But just like the men who understood changing a diaper in the 1990s didn't take away their manliness, so can participating in their spouse's emotional needs.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Arsenal know that and Smith will take no time proving it.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on require

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