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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
no need to apologize
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 need
Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
Sprinkle and press some of the remaining panko mixture onto chicken if needed to fully coat.
—Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2025
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Chelsea take on visitors West Ham United tonight with their head coach in desperate need of a win.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for need 
Verb
Scientists say more consumer protections are needed Outside experts are deeply concerned about marijuana product safety, even in the regulated market.
—Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
Sprinkle and press some of the remaining panko mixture onto chicken if needed to fully coat.
—Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
The program showcases the sports prowess and other talents of rescue pets living at animal shelters and highlights the need to adopt pets.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Chelsea take on visitors West Ham United tonight with their head coach in desperate need of a win.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
-
The recent examples of capitulation expose the vulnerabilities of a weakened, consolidated and corporatized media industry, where the fates of news organizations are closely tied with other industries that require interaction with the government.—
Ryan Faughnder,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Administrative costs include those required to comply with legal and regulatory requirements to conduct the research.—
Alice Park,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The lack of communication about this data and information gap also disrupts the relationship between the CDC and its partners, Shah says.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Injuries happen frequently and can be made worse by a lack of athletic trainers and safety protocols.—
Chris Quintana,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As with any Southern farmhouse, outdoor living is a must.—
Cece Lesesne,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Alarm clocks are usually a must for school and activities at this age.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
While wedding obligations can create pressure, users stressed the importance of recognizing when a situation is unfair.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
The whole, slightly dysfunctional matriarchy (which includes Mikey Madison, playing one of her daughters) lives adjacent to one another in a hive of hormones, emotions, obligations and struggle.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Today, the goals of the EITC also include poverty reduction.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Each job created represents stability for a family, hope for a neighborhood, and a step toward breaking cycles of poverty and violence.—
Keith Howard,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, speaking for President Xi Jinping, said Beijing wants to help set global AI rules.—
Thomas Adamson and Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Before rescinding his invitation, it was reported that only two players from the team were planning on meeting with the president, as the others did not want to go.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, there’s a catch: On top of a little less legroom, most budget airlines tout expensive checked baggage fees if your carry-on exceeds their requirements.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Bryan is hopeful a third dog will be tested in February, but the team is still looking to find a canine that fits the research requirements.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
There's also bipartisan pressure to enforce nonprofit hospitals' responsibility to provide charity care in exchange for their no-tax status, and to more closely examine a drug-purchasing program that many such facilities can take advantage of to get steep discounts on pharmaceuticals.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Ultimately, creating balance across the festival and making space for different perspectives is the responsibility of the Berlinale rather than individual films or filmmakers.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near need
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share