Synonyms of demand

demand 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈmand 

1

as in request

something that someone insists upon having

agreed to the customer's demand for a refund

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• requirement
• wish
• requisition
• desire
• claim
• ultimatum
• need
• must
• importunity
• dun
• stipulation
• provision
• essential
• imposition
• want
• basic
• drive
• condition

2

as in market

the state of being sought after especially for purchase

a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

• market
• request
• call
• bull market
• bear market
• seller's market
• buyer's market

3

as in requirement

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

we are very confident that our new employee is fully equal to the demands of the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requirement
• must
• necessity
• necessary
• need
• requisite
• essential
• must-have
• needful
• condition
• sine qua non
• precondition
• prerequisite
• advantage
• wish
• plus
• edge
• desideratum
• desideration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• surplus
• extra
• luxury
• comfort
• indulgence
• nonnecessity
• extravagance
• nonessential
• surplusage
• superfluity
• amenity
• frill

demand

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to request

to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority

the losing party demanded a recount of the votes cast in the election

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• require
• command
• claim
• want
• ask
• need
• exact
• call (for)
• quest
• insist (on)
• enjoin
• press (for)
• stipulate (for)
• clamor (for)
• necessitate
• take
• impose
• warrant
• plead (for)
• cry (for)
• requisition
• harass
• hound
• dun
• badger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield
• surrender
• give up
• relinquish

2

as in to need

to have as a requirement

a task that demands one's unremitting attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• need
• require
• want
• take
• necessitate
• challenge
• claim
• involve
• warrant
• call for
• ask
• bear
• beg
• lack
• entail
• insist
• cry (for)
• hurt (for)
• exact
• stipulate
• quest
• enjoin
• clamor (for)
• command
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• have
• hold
• possess
• own

3

as in to ask

to set or receive as a price

superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• charge
• command
• fetch
• bring
• price
• sell (for)
• discount
• value
• assess
• overcharge
• mark up
• undercharge
• bill
• mark down
• invoice

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb demand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of demand are claim, exact, and require. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

When can claim be used instead of demand?

While in some cases nearly identical to demand, 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 could exact be used to replace demand?

The words exact and demand can be used in similar contexts, but exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

When is require a more appropriate choice than demand?

In some situations, the words require and demand are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of demand

Noun

This combined with higher fuel demand from spring travel and the switch to summer gasoline all typically contribute to higher prices in the spring. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025

Since resuming her social presence, fans have flocked to Hoover's page with demands for not only an apology to Baldoni, but also threats to boycott her future projects, which include a movie in the works with Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 24 Feb. 2025

Verb

Some users have also demanded more transparency from the company. —Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025

As if the world were his real estate pickings, Trump is demanding foreign nations hand over territory on his terms, irrespective of the people who live there. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025