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

Examples of require in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is a social and generational fresco, one that requires a commensurate set of subjects. Ben Croll, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2024 It's not yet known what will be needed to correct the problems encountered on the latest Starliner flight, whether another costly test flight will be required or when the ship might be ready for active service ferrying astronauts to and from the station. William Harwood, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2024 But attaching to it new rules requiring proof of citizenship when voting. Abc News, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2024 The Tesla attempts to run a stop sign at an on-ramp for the 110, a notoriously hazardous freeway that requires you to come to complete halt, twist your head far around to check for oncoming traffic, and accelerate rapidly to merge with motorists traveling around 70 mph. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for require 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'require.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near require

Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 9 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on require

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