NEEDY Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

needy

adjective

ˈnē-dē

Definition of needy

as in impoverished

lacking money or material possessions those generous souls who regularly give money and donate clothes to help the needy

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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 needy The problem is there’s probably too much good film on Daniels in a QB-needy league to attempt to successfully sneak him through waivers. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 His letters bring him rushing onto the page—needy and self-mocking, jealous yet helplessly in love. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 The charity was created to connect needy families to churches and other community groups to help move them off of government assistance. — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Without question, Boutte is a good get for a receiver-needy team. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for needy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for needy

Adjective

The impoverished Reds work as slave labor in the mines of Mars, while the super-strong Golds rule the solar system and war on each other.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Prosecutors accuse him of participating in schemes to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Venezuelan government programs intended to provide housing, food and other necessities to the country’s impoverished population.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of impoverished

Adjective

Measles usually kills two or three people in every 1,000 cases, the WHO says, but the disease can be more deadly in poorer nations because of factors such as malnutrition.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
That receiver sends that poor defender into next week at the pylon.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of poor

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needs

needy

nefarious

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“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of needy

adjective

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