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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of require Many airlines once required masks during travel, but those mandates have largely been lifted. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 Adaptive leadership: Adaptive leaders excel in environments that require flexibility, creativity, and quick decision-making. —

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 The same goes for streaming services that might require insights into localized viewing. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 While the most recent survey results are easily available on the NCES website, the rest are in formats that require experts to clean and organize into something usable. —

Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

As officials work to respond to reports of animals needing help, some individuals and independent groups in the area have sprung into action to assist.

— Nic F. Anderson, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Hegseth needs a simple majority in the Senate to be confirmed, and in the event of a tie, Vice President JD Vance can break it.

— Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2025