require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r How to pronounce require (audio)
Definition of requirenext
as in to need
to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Success requires persuasion, connections and outlasting competitors to claim the $100,000 prize. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 May 2025 Afro hair transplant Afro hair requires unique techniques due to curl pattern and follicle structure. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 State law requires that towing companies hold profits in escrow for a year in case the vehicle owner claims them, then remit that money to the state. —Ginny Monk, ProPublica, 30 May 2025 Natural fibers like cotton require a shocking amount of energy and other resources to produce, but synthetic fabrics have their own set of drawbacks. —Karen Dougherty, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for require
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
  1. need
  2. want
  3. take
Verb
  • On most legislation, Republicans typically need 10 Democratic votes to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
    — Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Judge Tony Baumgartner dictated additional terms, stating that the court needed to be aware of where Brown resided.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of need
Verb
  • Barkov would probably want that spread around to the rest of the team.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
  • Even if the news is hard, your employees want and will appreciate the truth.
    — Nikki Little, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of want
Verb
  • In another outfit change, Lopez took the opportunity to show off her abs in a sparkling metallic gown with dramatic cutouts and a sheer tiered fringe skirt.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • This news will take nobody who has been watching developments in the U.K. by surprise.
    — Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of take

Browse Nearby Words

requiescats
require
required
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Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of require for Spanish Speakers

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