1
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the demanding assignment kept them working all night long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exacting
hard to please
will play before a demanding audience of music critics, who are not easily impressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the demanding task of reading and grading student compositions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in requiring
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority
the losing party demanded a recount of the votes cast in the election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in needing
to have as a requirement
a task that demands one's unremitting attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in asking
to set or receive as a price
superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 demanding
PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025
The viewpoint is reached by a long and demanding hike, the site's official website says, with walkers having to complete a 1,180-meter trek to reach it.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Jack Kelly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Seek funding sources like crowd financing, angel investors, family, and friends who can offer capital and expertise without demanding control.
—Dileep Rao, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demanding 
Adjective
Less demanding games, such as Alto’s Odyssey, performed without a hitch.
—PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025
The viewpoint is reached by a long and demanding hike, the site's official website says, with walkers having to complete a 1,180-meter trek to reach it.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
Amazon Says Striking Drivers Are Not Employees The Teamsters have established 20 bargaining units across multiple Amazon facilities and are demanding that the company officially recognize these unions at each location.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Seek funding sources like crowd financing, angel investors, family, and friends who can offer capital and expertise without demanding control.
—Dileep Rao, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demanding
Adjective
-
While the victory was routine, their goalkeeping situation and transfer dealings are more challenging.—
Emile Nuh,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
-
At the same time, a historic shortage of veterinarians means the work of caring for our pets is more challenging than ever.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
By his fourth season, the team had a losing record and players were complaining that Bradley was too exacting.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Dec. 2024
-
The painter’s attempts to capture reality — so exacting, so careful, so prepared — end in what looks like failure.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
The emotional weight of losing that independence is difficult to quantify, but its impact is profound.—
John Hope Bryant,
TIME,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Still, the most difficult aspect of the crisis is not the need to prepare for an unspecified economic threat from a close ally, but the need to cope with a sudden sense of almost Kafkaesque absurdity.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
California's Regulatory Actions California revised its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, now requiring that 60% of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030, as a step towards its 2045 goal of 100% clean energy.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
In Florida, Our Children’s Trust brought its latest case because there still are provisions in the law requiring state agencies to prioritize renewable energy, Rodgers said.—
Amy Green,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The new series of the British crime drama opens with a disturbing mystery, when the death of an elderly woman found in a cave has the team asking what drives a person to murder someone so vulnerable.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Consider routinely walking up to your staff’s desks and openly asking if there is anything your team could do better.—
Phillimon Zongo,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Whether you’re drawn to stories of resilience, advocacy, or how laughter and love can help us through life’s toughest moments, this film will leave you inspired and hopeful.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Bridges finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field against his old team, and Anunoby scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field to go with tough defense on Johnson, who shot an abysmal 6-of-20 from the field for 16 points.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Hamilton County Coroner's Office is requesting help finding the relatives of a man who died this week.—
Erin Couch,
The Enquirer,
24 Dec. 2024
-
By letter of December 13, the court accelerated the briefing schedule, requesting a final response by December 19.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to demanding
Thesaurus Entries Near demanding
Cite this Entry
“Demanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demanding. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share