demand 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈmand How to pronounce demand (audio)
Definition of demandnext
1
as in request
something that someone insists upon having agreed to the customer's demand for a refund

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in market
the state of being sought after especially for purchase a steadily declining demand for film cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in requirement
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable we are very confident that our new employee is fully equal to the demands of the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

demand

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to request
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 to need
to have as a requirement a task that demands one's unremitting attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb demand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of demand are claim, exact, and require. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

When can claim be used instead of demand?

While in some cases nearly identical to demand, 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 could exact be used to replace demand?

The words exact and demand can be used in similar contexts, but exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

When is require a more appropriate choice than demand?

In some situations, the words require and demand are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 demand
Noun
Jim Gaffigan Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket The ever-popular funnyman Jim Gaffigan has three shows at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater due to public demand. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025 Consumer demand for these options will help force change. —Karen Dougherty, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Verb
Arteta is a demanding coach who prizes intensity in training sessions. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025 He is accused of pressing a hard object into the store clerk’s back, then demanding money, police said. —Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for demand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demand
  1. request
  2. market
  3. requirement
  4. require
  5. need
  6. ask
  7. must
  8. command
Noun
  • Amazon did not immediately return Sourcing Journal’s request for comment on its robotics aspirations.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
  • Green’s attorney didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
    — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Definition of request
Noun
  • By producing an affordable pair of multi-driver IEMs, without compromising on sound and build quality, Noble Audio hopes to bag a slice of this growing market.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The avid home cook began chronicling her own recipes online, and scouring the Greek markets for seasonal and new-to-her ingredients.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Definition of market
Noun
  • During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.
    — Jade Walker, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • The requirement to check in 60 minutes before an international flight remains unchanged.
    — Dennis Green, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025
Definition of requirement
Verb
  • Amorim requires a new centre forward to lead the line, but has missed out on landing Liam Delap after the Ipswich Town striker reportedly decided to join Chelsea instead.
    — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Visiting remote stretches of coast, pristine beaches, or villages that receive few tourists typically requires an explorer yacht that can be self-sufficient for several days.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
Definition of require
Verb
  • The item would need to pass two City Commission votes in order to go on the November ballot for Miami voters to give final approval.
    — Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • The body needs to move—and walking has become my own little act of self-care.
    — María Quiles, Vogue, 4 June 2025
Definition of need
Verb
  • Think about the vast difference between typing in keywords to get hyperlinks, and simply asking an intelligent entity a question.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The response from her daughter was electric, and people began to comment on the fun design and ask about her interest in ballet.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of ask
Noun
  • Plus, opting for styles in breezy linen is an absolute must for summer’s hotter weather.
    — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • But Tyler, the Creator believes delusion is a must for artists and creatives across the board.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 May 2025
Definition of must
Verb
  • Walz, while lacking the same national exposure that some of his potential rivals have commanded this year, remains actively engaged across the country.
    — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • The Queens: Expect three hours of hits as Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Stephanie Mills command the stage at the United Center.
    — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

demagogues
demand
demanded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demand. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on demand

Nglish: Translation of demand for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about demand

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