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 The Indiana Department of Administration is required to certify state vendor contracts are able to lawfully work in the U.S., according to the executive order. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Admission to the center, which is open on Saturdays, is free, but reservations are required. —Scarlet Cheng, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025 Yesterday the pain was unbearable and required hospitalization. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Alongside the Jewish majority, the Druze in Israel are the only religious community that is required by law to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (at the request of Druze religious and communal leaders). —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for require
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
  1. need
  2. want
  3. take
Verb
  • Glickman said carriers have tools to manage short-term overcapacity as needed, including slow steaming, blank sailings or putting vessels on idle.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
  • To reach that million-dollar threshold, an artist would need to have around four to five million monthly listeners, or 20 million to 25 million monthly streams.
    — CJ Haddad, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of need
Verb
  • The Boston Bruins general manager wanted the captain to conclude his career in Black and Gold.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • By Ben Walsh Donald Trump wants to get back into the casino business.
    — Ben Walsh, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of want
Verb
  • The witness claimed that in April 2024, the teen took an at-home pregnancy test and had a positive result, before her pregnancy was later confirmed by a doctor.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Keelan McAuley plays Josh in the stage version, with Chyna-Rose Frederick taking the role of Cher’s best friend Dionne, Romona Lewis-Malley as Tai, Isaac J Lewis playing Christian and Rabi Konde as Dionne’s boyfriend Murray.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of take

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Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of require for Spanish Speakers

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