require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r How to pronounce require (audio)
Definition of requirenext
as in to need
to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 The lightweight, saltwater-resistant, carbon-fiber unit can easily transform any transom into a personal tee box in less than 10 minutes, with no retrofitting required. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 One of my goals this year is to be more intentional about buying from truly local farmers—those within my immediate area—which requires planning ahead. —Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025 President Petro is pushing a bill that would require Colombia to sign on to a United Nations convention against the recruitment, financing and training of mercenaries. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Visiting remote stretches of coast, pristine beaches, or villages that receive few tourists typically requires an explorer yacht that can be self-sufficient for several days. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for require
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
  1. need
  2. want
  3. take
Verb
  • The robot that extruded concrete for Tor Alva, for example, applies the substance only where needed, resulting in hollow columns that significantly reduce material consumption.
    — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Trump is actively harming our ability to make the batteries and other tech that are needed to mass produce drones like the ones Ukraine unleashed on Russia.
    — Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Definition of need
Verb
  • But White wanted to see boxing spectacles made more accessible.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
  • Smith has been getting more serious about wanting to be an actor.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Definition of want
Verb
  • Corey Feldman, Sean Astin and Ke Huy Quan were among the stars who took a moment to reflect on the major milestone Feldman documented his nostalgic visit to Astoria, Oregon, where the 1985 movie was filmed The Goonies turns 40!
    — Grace Harrington, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • Then 13, Valdes remembers standing in the Miami immigration office as agents took her father away.
    — Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
Definition of take

Browse Nearby Words

requiescats
require
required
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Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on require

Nglish: Translation of require for Spanish Speakers

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