needy

adjective

ˈnē-dē How to pronounce needy (audio)
needier; neediest
Synonyms of needy
1
: being in want : poverty-stricken
needy families
… where needy children from the community could come to get free, nutritious meals.—Liza N. Burby
2
: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
emotionally needy
The girl was needy for her mother's affection.
neediness noun

Synonyms of needy

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Examples of needy in a Sentence

As a child, she was extremely needy and had no self-confidence. those generous souls who regularly give money and donate clothes to help the needy
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An Atlanta social media personality with more than 2 million followers across platforms has been federally indicted for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $4 million from a federal program that helps feed needy Georgia families. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The league helps its most needy franchises with draft picks and cap space. — Sam McDowell 19, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 The gas can always be liquefied and exported around the world to an energy-needy globe. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The elephants would provide meat for needy rural communities, authorities said Friday in defense of the move. — Sello Motseta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for needy

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of needy was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing needy

Rhymes for needy

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Browse Nearby Words

needs
needy
neeld
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Cite this Entry

“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

needy

adjective
ˈnēd-ē How to pronounce needy (audio)
needier; neediest
1
: being in want : very poor
needy families
2
: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
a tendency to be emotionally needy
neediness noun
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