REQUIRE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r

Definition of require next

as in to need

to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

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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 For Sokolowski, the magnitude of the threat urgently requires more awareness and intervention both by law enforcement as well as health care workers, teachers and families. —

Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 The No Vigilantes Act required any law enforcement officer operating in California to visibly display identification, including the name of their agency and their name or badge number, except in undercover and other specific scenarios. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 For prizes of $50,000 or more, you are required to claim in person at the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis. —

Chris Sims, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026 This will not require an expensive or slow-moving bureaucracy. —

Michelle Kaufman, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

To run the program across the state, $22 million is needed annually; $16 million in state appropriations and $6 million in federal funding.

— Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
As the Grammy-winner took the Super Bowl halftime stage on February 8, fans of football and fans of Bad Bunny alike needed to know if there will be anyone special cheering him on from the sidelines.

— Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of need

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requiescats

require

required

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“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of require

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