1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize
the need to pay taxes—
Peter Scott
Peter Scott2
a
: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
a building adequate for the company's needs
b
: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
health and education needs
3
: a condition requiring supply or relief
The house is in need of repair.
refugees in need of shelter and food
4
: lack of the means of subsistence (see subsistence sense 2) : poverty
The community program provides for those in need.
needed; needing; needs or (auxiliary) need
: to be in need of : require
: be under necessity or obligation to
you need not answer
she need only wait
Synonyms
Examples of need in a Sentence
Noun
You can always call me at home if the need arises.
These new methods reduce the need to use harmful chemicals on crops.
We find that there is still a need for further discussion.
There is a great need for change.
Our experienced staff will go out of their way to meet your every need.
He has trouble expressing his emotional needs.
I felt a need to take control of the situation.
a need to be loved
She has an overwhelming need to be liked and respected.
I don't feel the need to defend my decision.
Verb
I need some advice. What do you think of this dress?
I just need a couple of minutes to get ready.
Most babies need at least 12 hours of sleep a day.
We badly need a vacation.
Further research is urgently needed if we are to find a cure.
Another delay is the last thing I need!
Men? Who needs them?! I certainly don't.
Recent Examples on the Web
Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
The filing notes substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, citing the need for additional funding to meet obligations.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Jason Green, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
The Orediggers entered Saturday ranked 10th in the region and need to rise into the top seven in order to reach the postseason.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for need 
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show current usage.
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Noun
For most of October, Sean Payton harped on his offense’s need to improve on third down.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
The filing notes substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, citing the need for additional funding to meet obligations.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
Bates needed more than 200 stitches to repair the damage to her scalp, according to her attorneys.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
The Orediggers entered Saturday ranked 10th in the region and need to rise into the top seven in order to reach the postseason.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for need
Dictionary Entries Near need
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/need. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
need
1 of 2 noun1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize
2
a
: a lack of something necessary, desirable, or useful
the need for more doctors
b
: something necessary or desired
a need for sympathy
also
: a mental or physical requirement for keeping a living thing in normal condition
3
: a situation requiring supply or relief
call whenever the need arises
a friend in need
4
: poverty sense 1, want
provide for those in need
need
2 of 2 verb1
: to be in want
2
: to be in need of : require
they need advice
3
: to be required or obliged
we need to look at the facts
you need not answer
4
: to be necessary
something needs to be done
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