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 next

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 Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers are required to report at spring training camp by Wednesday, with position players following five days after that. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Simply put, the Court requires more concrete confirmation that Mr. Tiger has suffered an injury—or is at imminent and substantial risk of suffering an illness—likely caused by exposure to lead. —

Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025 The memo from last Friday bars people with gender dysphoria from joining the military and pauses treatment for transgender troops who require medical treatment. —

Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 The data centers needed to run them produce massive amounts of heat, and require substantial A/C systems to maintain them at functional temperatures. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for require

Recent Examples of Synonyms for require

Verb

Green will need to back up this claim with strong play down the stretch of the season.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
To get the deal, users will need to either be subscribed to Prime Video for $8.99 per month or be a Prime member for $14.99 per month.

— Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 16 Feb. 2025