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

Examples 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 However, more recent cases of bird flu have generally been mild, with only one of the 61 cases in the U.S. experiencing severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 DeWine said Ohio should have a statewide policy requiring schools to offer religious release programs. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024 Government workers go without pay during a shutdown, including essential employees still required to work, who are paid after funding is secured. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024 An emergency restraining order requiring the man to surrender his firearms to authorities identified him as Alexander Charles Paffendorf, 20. CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for require 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
Verb
  • But the restructuring happening there will be funded by GM's partners, the automaker does not need to infuse any cash in it.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • To Schilling, Hill, and their colleagues, this means that although predictive deep learning programs have their uses, the burden of proof needs to be much more rigorous when using them in situations such as medical research.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Many of Scandia’s current residents are retirees wanting to downsize, avoid unexpected homeownership costs, and focus on enjoying their retirement years.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • If the answer is yes, NPR wants to hear your stories.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The company takes Clover’s powerful architecture a step further with features competitors lack.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • That single-player mode takes about 25 hours to complete, and is a great way to get introduced to the game's mechanics.
    Jason Bennett, arkansasonline.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near require

Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on require

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