needs 1 of 3

Definition of needsnext
as in necessarily
because of necessity the dangers of global warming must needs be recognized—and recognized soon—by the industrialized nations of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need
1
2
as in must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

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 needs
Verb
Step back, decide what needs to be said, and deliver it once with clarity and control. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026 Their in-game performance needs to be better. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Johnson said the organization needs to upgrade its computers for cybersecurity training lessons and wants to expand its drone security program. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 If a relatively modest pulsar system can outperform theoretical limits, then the physics of particle acceleration in extreme environments needs revision. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 And this war needs to end this week. NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026 Talk with family or housemates about what needs to happen next, then write it down so expectations are clear. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 This is an important skill for anyone who, like Fuqua, aims to make big and broadly entertaining films, and therefore needs to persuade executives to fund them and stars to appear in them. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Denver desperately needs a young, athletic target for Bo Nix who can be a factor both as a blocker and as a receiver. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Be direct about needs, set clear boundaries, and make sure everything is understood. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 Innovative, imaginative solutions that meet growth in population, business and agricultural needs. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026 Las Vegas has depth at the edge, making the Auburn product an interesting pick considering needs like offensive line, defensive tackle and wide receiver are still unfilled. Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who sits on the Housing and Homelessness Committee, said Friday the recommendations are intended to better align the city’s homelessness response with local needs while avoiding service disruptions and improving long-term coordination. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 Sea water flowing into the tanks is controlled with inlet valves and will vary based on the needs of the experiment. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026 To meet these needs, Hyundai will supply its HiMSEN engines, each designed to generate around 20 megawatts of power. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026 Langesfeld’s son says more needs to be done. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Give the plant a deep watering and check its soil moisture more frequently to keep up with its water needs. Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • For The Times) Dollars and sensitivities The financial implications of the strike are difficult to calculate at this juncture, but the district doesn’t necessarily lose money.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Cervas noted the Voting Rights Act isn’t necessarily a partisan benefit for Democrats.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While Kiawah Beachwalker Park and Freshfields Village are open to the public, access to the rest of the island requires a renter’s, owner’s, or owner’s guest pass, or a dining, golf, or hotel reservation.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Protecting water resources requires collaboration between policymakers, utilities and innovators.
    Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Both would be requirements in any potential fullback selection.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Under the Clean Slate Act, HB 1836, the state now has until 2029 to create, test and launch systems to automate the sealing of eligible low-level, nonviolent criminal records after an individual meets all requirements and remains crime-free for a sustained period.
    Brian Fabes, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The budget emphasizes that HUD funding is insufficient to meet rental assistance obligations.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Those obligations were not met.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The spiritual unease that Harold Loomis brings to Seth and Bertha’s boardinghouse reaches a point of crisis at the end of the first act, with another, still more terrible outburst inevitably on the way.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Without both, Arsenal regress into playing long balls that inevitably result in opposition attacks.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Say that a presidential candidate wants to create universal prekindergarten, implement a comprehensive parental-leave policy, lower the Medicare-eligibility age, and invest in clean energy and cancer research.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In the state’s email to Abruzzo seeking to know more about the reserves, Fennell didn’t specify why the state wants the information.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The poll, conducted at the beginning of April, adds to a picture of economic gloom in the US, as Americans worry about the affordability of gas and other necessities and express pessimism about the job market.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The clash between misguided concepts of individual freedom and the necessities of social responsibility won’t end soon.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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