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

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 require While farts are a natural part of daily life, some causes of smelly farts require treatment. —

Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025 Cheshire’s project specifications required that the work be done under dry conditions along with environmental controls to prevent uncured geopolymer mortar from leaking into Cuff Brook. —

Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025 Short-haired pets may require a quick brush once weekly, whereas long-haired breeds can benefit from daily grooming sessions. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025 And with the Bears hoping to zero in on a new coach who can set a demanding tone in their locker room, hiring Campbell would require a big leap of faith. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

Digital nomads need backup plans for their backup plans.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
America and the world need high quality, fair-minded, trustworthy sources of news more than ever.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025