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 Organizations have to have the skills required for digital transformation, and such skill development must also be treated as an ongoing project. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Recurrent lesions in the same location or the development of tunnels (sinus tracts) can indicate more advanced disease and may require surgical or higher-level intervention. —

Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 May 2026 The law requires that cities approve housing on lots starting at 1,500 square feet, if certain conditions are met. —

Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 18 May 2026 While big changes can require big actions, sometimes the smaller recycling efforts that often go unnoticed are where a green trend can start and grow. —

Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

Most bills are subject to a filibuster and thus need 60 votes for passage — meaning Republicans must find some Democratic support in the 53-47 Senate.

— Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Nick Tsafos, partner-in-charge at EisnerAmper in New York, said lenders need to independently assess collateral, claims and risks across the full life of a loan, rather than relying solely on borrower representations.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 18 May 2026

Definition of need

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“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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