1
as in to require
to have as a requirement
a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
when it came time to wrap the presents, he found he was in need of adhesive tape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
got a job that barely provided for his basic needs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
no need to apologize
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
donating money to help those in need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of need
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
If ordering in-person, customers may need to be familiar with their preferred drink's customizations to inform baristas.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2026
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
The Jets are in need of talent up and down the roster and getting possibly the best pure pass rusher in the class is a good place to start.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
Typically, people can meet their vitamin D needs through a balanced diet and regular sunlight exposure.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
If ordering in-person, customers may need to be familiar with their preferred drink's customizations to inform baristas.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
Be direct about needs, set clear boundaries, and make sure everything is understood.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
The Jets are in need of talent up and down the roster and getting possibly the best pure pass rusher in the class is a good place to start.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
Companies are required, under threat of criminal penalties, to bring new information to the government’s attention.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Human oversight remains part of the workflow through integration with Robotic Security Operations Center, where remote analysts monitor activity, verify alerts, and direct responses when required, ensuring continuous supervision alongside autonomous functions, reports Electrek.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Goldman Sachs estimated that Qatar could see its GDP plunge by 14%, citing its lack of alternative export channels to the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This Fire sign is, after all, notorious for its lack of a filter… and the 24-year-old singer just so happens to have her sun, Venus and Pluto here.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The spokesperson noted that the pilot had completed all mandatory medical examinations in compliance with regulatory requirements and held a Class I medical certification.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The information provided is crucial in identifying whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Told through first-person narration and stylized imagery, the film charts his attempts to reconcile a criminal past with family obligations and shifting moral ground.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Since 2016, federal officials allege, Meade has been trying to avoid paying the tax obligation through a number of tactics, which include withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing cashier’s checks from his business accounts.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The United Nations Development Programme reports that higher energy prices, disrupted food systems, and economic slowdowns triggered by the war could push up to thirty-two million people globally into poverty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The art world has been in a recession for 15 years, galleries are closing, young collectors are holding back, and artists trying to make it in the major market centers are living on the brink of poverty.—
Magnus Resch,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Felicia Anderson, 39, is wanted on a half-dozen criminal counts, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and weapons violations.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
Holland doesn't want to force sobriety on anyone.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Today, instead of betting on a full-time job, more Gen Z graduates are looking to alternative paths to employment out of necessity.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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