needs 1 of 3

Definition of needsnext
as in necessarily
because of necessity the dangers of global warming must needs be recognized—and recognized soon—by the industrialized nations of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need
1
2
as in must
to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

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 needs
Verb
Workforce needs, customer expectations, and business conditions evolve, and leaders have to be willing to adjust if the model stops delivering results. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026 While Schmid fills the role of a high-end backup, Florida still needs to acquire a starting-caliber goaltender prior to the start of the season with both Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov departing. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Gen asks to speak to Luke privately, and his ready agreement is all Joy needs to see to understand what’s going on. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026 Given the scale of the tragedy and the size of its foreign debt, Venezuela needs far more than the aid now arriving to assist those affected and rebuild its infrastructure. Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 If a contender needs a right-handed bat, though, there could be an opportunity for the Giants to address what has become an imbalanced roster for both the short and not-so-short term. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 June 2026 One hardly needs a list of blue zones to think of commonsense ways to improve life span. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Use the engine cut‑off switch – if your boat has one, the operator needs to wear the lanyard or keep the fob on their person. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 29 June 2026 This has been superseded now by Intelligent Octopus Go, that needs no human intervention but uses AI to seamlessly optimise the EV charging based on energy costs and grid capacity. Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
The deal would not have satisfied Cuba's spiraling energy needs. Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026 But when Erik Spoelstra is strategizing, the needs of Nikola Jovic, for better or worse, are not going to be at the top of the organizational process. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Organizers said donations will help cover funeral and burial expenses, with any additional funds going toward the immediate needs of her children. Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Over time, doorways have been opened up and sealed over again to suit changing family needs. Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Over the past decade, the college has invested in the supports that help students complete college and enter the workforce like dual-enrollment programs, workforce advising, childcare, healthcare access, basic-needs supports, and transfer pathways. Anthony Hernandez, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Regardless, Cashman has his work cut out for him between now and the trade deadline Three weeks ago, his primary needs were a righty-hitting catcher and at least one other bullpen piece. Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 Summer sleepwear needs to be lightweight and breathable, and this linen pajama set checks all the boxes. Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 There are some carve outs if students have health needs, emergencies or teacher permission for educational reasons. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs
Adverb
  • And so, offering cheap options, albeit with large deductibles and possible coverage gaps, is a way to address affordability without necessarily undermining the law.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The rise of PhD founders is also AI-driven—not because AI companies necessarily require a founder with a doctorate, but because AI has accelerated breakthroughs in robotics, cybersecurity, and autonomous software.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Not every driver wants a truck that requires DIY installations or extreme customization to include basic features.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The article concludes that genuine empowerment requires substantial capital investment, not just goodwill, to build effective support systems.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The secret agreement was routed through a White House office that typically handles repairs and furnishings and is exempt from competitive bidding requirements.
    Sarah Blaskey, Washington Post, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Assisting with payroll tax issues, sales tax audits, and business restructuring to satisfy tax obligations.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Financial privacy erodes gradually through risk assessments, compliance obligations, information sharing partnerships and international standards presented as technical rather than political.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • Ronaldo’s onetime Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić, 40, of Croatia, won the player of the tournament award at the 2018 World Cup, although his ability to hold sway over the midfield for 90 minutes is inevitably on the wane.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Political calculations surrounding the 2028 presidential election inevitably shape these competing perspectives, but electoral considerations cannot replace strategic reality.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • By establishing child care as a valid use of campaign funds, Grechen Shirley said, the question is no longer who can afford to run for office, but who really wants to serve their community.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • If James wants to return to the Heat, the team would have interest, a source conveyed to The Miami Herald on Tuesday.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Scherzer is now on the IL with back spasms, still trying to will his way back to his old self.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 19 June 2026
  • Messi willed Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, won four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and was honored a record eight times with the Ballon d’Or, given the world’s top player each year.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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