require

verb

re·​quire ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r 

required; requiring

transitive verb

1

a

: to claim or ask for by right and authority

… this night your soul is required of you …

—Luke 12:20 (Revised Standard Version)

b

archaic : request

2

a

: to call for as suitable or appropriate

The occasion requires formal dress.

b

: to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for

All living beings require food.

We require your assistance.

The job requires a driver's license.

3

: to impose a compulsion or command on : compel

The law requires that school buses stop at railroad crossings.

4

chiefly British : to feel or be obliged

—used with a following infinitive

… one does not require to be a specialist …

—Elizabeth Bowen

intransitive verb

archaic : ask

Synonyms of require

• need
• want
• take

Choose the Right Synonym for require

demand, claim, require, exact mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary.

demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

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

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

exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Examples of require in a Sentence

the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Recent Examples on the Web

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is urging lawmakers to reject a legislative proposal, saying the state's financial oversight process works and does not require an emergency change. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

He was treated for an infection and low heart rate, which required a pacemaker to be fitted, according to the Royal House of Norway. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

At the same time, the alliance took on new commitments, offering Moscow’s tiny, vulnerable neighbors promises of protection with little thought of what their defense would require. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

At dinner—when jackets are required—that means tasting menus full of over-the-top luxurious creations such as foie gras torchon with strawberries and fennel jam. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English requeren, from Anglo-French requere, from Vulgar Latin *requaerere to seek for, need, require, alteration of Latin requirere, from re- + quaerere to seek, ask

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for require

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar

Kids Definition

require

verb

re·​quire ri-ˈkwī(ə)r 

required; requiring

1

: to have a need for

a game that requires skill

2

: order entry 1 sense 2a

the law requires that everyone pay the tax