REQUIRE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

require

verb

ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r

Definition of require

as in to need

to have as a requirement the toy requires four batteries, which are not included

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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 Some employers aiming to manage cost increases plan to offer plans with higher deductibles, requiring workers to pay more out of pocket before insurance coverage takes effect, the Business Group on Health said. — Amina Niasse, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The other requires local water providers to determine whether the water use of large data centers — for cooling of spaces filled with heat-emitting servers — is compatible with the local water supply. — Des Moines Register, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026 This would require a military effort likely as large as the 1991 Desert Storm operation, which involved more than 500,000 American troops. — James F. Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 Providing electricity also requires infrastructure that the country doesn’t have. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

Patterson, who turns 27 on Tuesday, has experience at guard and center, and the 49ers needed a backup at both spots considering Toth’s lingering concussion symptoms.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Any business, town or development group needs this data informing their decisions.

— Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of need

Verb

With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.

— Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of want

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requiescats

require

required

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“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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