need 1 of 2

1
2
as in to must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

need

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3
4

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 need
Verb
Similar to the Death Star bill, SB 12 will need to overcome robust opposition from local government officials, but lawmakers appear committed to getting this long sought conservative policy goal to the Governor’s desk this summer. Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Swift needs no introduction but the singer has generated mind-bending press coverage over the past few years and has an enormous global fanbase. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 July 2025
Noun
That means the lights change on their own, in real time, as the lake conditions change, eliminating the need for people to change the flags when the changes occur. Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025 Ray came almost every shift to take care of Hermon's father's vital signs and basic needs. Ryan Katz, NPR, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for need
Recent Examples of Synonyms for need
Verb
  • Healthy hair requires more than just a regular trim and minimizing heat damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • For another brilliant terrace experience, the Renzo Piano designed Nemo Science Museum has a new open green, sustainable rooftop open to the public that doesn’t require entrance to the museum.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The person denied being responsible for the noose, police said, noting that due to a lack of eyewitnesses and legal probable cause, no charges are expected against the person, who will not be allowed to return for any type of stadium construction.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 24 July 2025
  • And the Covid episode itself--when inflation hit 9% before the Fed finally began hiking dramatically--remains a major point of concern about the institution’s lack of intellectual diversity.
    Kelly Evans, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Boat rides on Lake Como are a must, and Zucchi recommends always traveling with a scarf because things can get choppy and windy.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Healthcare is among the best in South America, especially in the larger cities, and far cheaper than in the U.S., but private insurance is a must.
    William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • The company emphasized that under both legal and contractual obligations, the company should have been informed of the arrangements.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The company has racked up nearly $30 million in fines for failing to meet staffing guidelines and other contractual obligations, but reform advocates argue the fines are not a clear incentive for CoreCivic to improve its facilities.
    Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.
    Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • And according to Justice in Aging, Social Security lifts more than 22 million people out of poverty, including over 16 million older adults and almost 1 million children.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • This has triggered a backlash among those who want transparency about Epstein.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • The speaker explained that conservatives who voted against the rule want the crypto bills -- CLARITY, GENIUS and Anti CBDC Surveillance Act -- combined into one big package, rather than take separate standalone votes on each measure.
    Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2024, the Biden administration proposed expanding parole in place to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens who met certain requirements, such as having lived in the country for a minimum number of years.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
  • Hegseth wrote in the letter that the move would not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or any other military requirements, per NJ Spotlight News.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Data protection policy is typically owned by the chief information security officer (CISO), but the responsibility for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) extends far beyond the security department.
    Antonio Sanchez, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The season sees Wyle's Dr. Robby shoulder the brunt of responsibility as his ER endures a stressful day, capped off with a mass casualty event that sees resources stretched thin.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on need

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!