require
verb
re·quire
ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r 
required; requiring
1
a
: to claim or ask for by right and authority
b
archaic
: request
2
a
: to call for as suitable or appropriate
the occasion requires formal dress
b
: to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for
all living beings require food
3
: to impose a compulsion or command on : compel
4
chiefly British
: to feel or be obliged
—used with a following infinitive
one does not require to be a specialist—
Elizabeth Bowen
Elizabeth Bowen
archaic
: ask
Examples of require in a Sentence
the toy requires four batteries, which are not included
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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
While there's a growing list of commercially viable markets in space (things like Starlink and satellite servicing wouldn't have been money-makers 20 years ago), the market for human spaceflight still requires some level of government commitment.
—ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Shaving requires removing the end cap of a bat, which can be difficult to do, and shaving down or thinning out the inner wall of the barrel.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for require
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Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
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
While there's a growing list of commercially viable markets in space (things like Starlink and satellite servicing wouldn't have been money-makers 20 years ago), the market for human spaceflight still requires some level of government commitment.
—ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Shaving requires removing the end cap of a bat, which can be difficult to do, and shaving down or thinning out the inner wall of the barrel.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for require
Cite this Entry
“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/require. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
require
verb
re·quire
ri-ˈkwī(ə)r
required; requiring
1
: to have a need for
a game that requires skill
2
: order entry 1 sense 2a
the law requires that everyone pay the tax
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