NEEDS Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

needs 1 of 3

adverb

ˈnēdz

Definition of needs

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

Relevance

needs

2 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of need

as in requires

to have as a requirement a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in must

to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

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needs

3 of 3

noun

plural of need

as in requirements

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable got a job that barely provided for his basic needs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obligations

something one must do because of prior agreement no need to apologize

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The nation needs an ample supply for semiconductors, quantum and super computing, and superconducting magnets, added Robertson, who oversees the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 Artificial intelligence needs as little as three seconds of you speaking to produce a convincing clone of your voice. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 Golden Boot leader and NC Courage winger Ashley Sanchez needs one more goal to break Chawinga’s single-season record of 20 goals. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 The new bridge is expected to help move heavy equipment, raw materials and energy products that North Korea needs for development. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 To build a 125-point lead, Antonelli needs to win Sunday's race, with teammate George Russell finishing P9 or lower and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton P5 or lower. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026 The ruling party needs a majority of at least 61 seats out of 120 in the Knesset. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026 Yeomans says the approach can work for a range of concerns, including oiliness, dullness, frizz and weak hair that needs strengthening. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Alabama needs a rebound, and Tennessee needs a statement win. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Noun

Hackett said adjusting investments to reflect personal financial goals, changes in risk tolerance, or shifting income needs are good reasons to make changes. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 After all, the government closest to the people is the best response to local needs. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 The packaging hits on early internet-era themes as well, with a graphic of a pink Nokia-style phone on the box, for all your Paris Hilton-paparazzi-picture needs. — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 For java needs, Steele House Coffee recently set up at Willy’s as well. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Available in various sizes and styles, there is sure to be a nonstick pan that will suit all of your cooking needs. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment prohibit deliberate indifference to prisoners’ medical needs. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 To do this requires getting to know your own needs and preferences — and learning how to communicate them. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026 Such arrangements can involve modifications to standard military equipment to meet a buyer’s operational needs. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for needs

Adverb

Because light obeys a superposition principle even under classical physics, this experimental breakthrough doesn’t imply that Schrödinger’s equation necessarily applies to objects 12,900 kilometers wide.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
While the promotion promises access to a future game, not every remaining ticket holder is necessarily guaranteed their preferred World Series matchup.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessarily

Verb

Printing these flexible devices requires depositing two layers at once.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person in the country, with narrow exceptions for diplomats and certain official emissaries abroad.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of requires

Noun

Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
OutKick has asked the WNBA to clarify its current requirements and enforcement, whether discipline is planned or under consideration, and whether teams have received instructions about being on the court.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirements

Noun

Jones said the potential consequences for policyholders could be severe if an insurer’s financial position deteriorated enough to stop it from meeting its obligations.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Council members discussed how to balance the nonprofit’s need for a long-term agreement to attract donors with the city’s need to ensure the building remains in use and the organization fulfills its obligations.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of obligations

Adverb

Given the small-market haze surrounding this matchup, inevitably there will be online discourse about the television ratings for the World Series.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
When the high school characters had to inevitably graduate, the show’s premise no longer held, forcing a complete restructure.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of inevitably

Verb

Indonesia wants to benefit from both, Mari Pangestu, Indonesian National Economic Council's vice chair, told reporters at a University of Hong Kong Business School event.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Talarico wants all Americans to be able to join Medicare; Paxton proposed a $25,000 tax deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

— Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of wants

Verb

Back in 2013, a publisher tapped me to write a book on Cruise’s filmography, detailing how a go-getting actor of limited range willed himself into becoming a global superstar.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Laura squirmed under her mother’s gaze, willed the light to turn green.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of will

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needling

needs

needy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needs. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of needs

adverb

verb

noun

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