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
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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
Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026
In a world that no longer rewards the biggest transformation budget but the fastest learner, that is exactly the advantage leaders need.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Jason Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
But growth would soon follow, bringing with it the need for skilled craftsmen to create and assemble stained glass windows for various new buildings, including churches like Trinity United Methodist Church, which sits at 18th and Broadway in Denver, and was built in 1887.
—Kevin Strong, CBS News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Verb
There’s concern that the amount of water needed to cool Stratos facilities could further drain the Great Salt Lake, intensifying exposure to toxic sediments in the rapidly shrinking watershed.
—Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026
In a world that no longer rewards the biggest transformation budget but the fastest learner, that is exactly the advantage leaders need.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
Officers have also said in Board of Correction meetings that our city should divert people with serious mental health needs into appropriate treatment, rather than relying on them to fill in for shameful gaps in our public health system.
—Jason Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
But growth would soon follow, bringing with it the need for skilled craftsmen to create and assemble stained glass windows for various new buildings, including churches like Trinity United Methodist Church, which sits at 18th and Broadway in Denver, and was built in 1887.
—Kevin Strong, CBS News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
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Beginning in February 2026, foreign visitors have been required to pay a small entry fee to access the landmark as city officials attempt to better manage crowds and preserve the historic site.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Irrigation systems may require a truly astronomical amount of water.—
Caroline Rose Giuliani,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The guard admitted he was surprised by the lack of questions about his medical status but voiced confidence that the issue would not continue into his NBA career.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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The defense has detailed the lack of physical evidence — no DNA or blood was found on Murdaugh or any of his clothes, even though the killings were at close range with powerful weapons that were never found.—
Jeffrey Collins,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Those could be explicit requirements for a map to appear to be fair by certain statistical measures of partisanship.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), there is no residency requirement to file a lawsuit challenging a project’s environmental review.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Post-Adverse Outcome Disclosure Obligations The replacement bill also creates disclosure obligations after an adverse outcome.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
The director bills it as a five-day road movie, with Mann journeying with his citizen-of-the-world daughter, Erika; the duo unable to attend the funeral of Klaus, Mann’s son, Erika’s brother, due to their obligations on the road.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Helping Others Obtain Destiny — to reduce violence and poverty on Chicago’s South Side through mentorship, faith, workforce training and economic development initiatives.—
Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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The Netherlands has reduced old-age poverty to less than 3% through a universal pension paired with strong occupational plans.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Some believe Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird because the eagle steals food from other birds, but Kochersperger said that’s a myth.—
Sarah Raza,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
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Losing this game is not an option if the Giants want their fans to pay attention past Halloween, even with Arizona rookie coach Mike LaFleur deploying rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Fuel and fertilizer needed for the rice crop are just the latest necessities to become unaffordable in Rakhine state, which has been devastated by intense fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), one of the many rebel groups in the country.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
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In a competitive labor market, flexibility may increasingly become an economic necessity rather than a workplace perk.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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