Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for need. Search instead for neved.
Definitions

need

[need] / nid /






Usage

What are other ways to say need? The verb need often suggests urgency, stressing the necessity of supplying what is lacking: to need an operation, better food, a match to light the fire. Require, which expresses necessity as strongly as need, occurs most frequently in serious or formal contexts: Your presence at the hearing is required. Successful experimentation requires careful attention to detail. Lack means to be without or to have less than a desirable quantity of something: to lack courage, sufficient money, enough members to make a quorum. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I need to go back to the gym," he panted as the song ended.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

“It takes at least 45 days to 60 days for somebody to settle in, and by that time they need to get back to school or whatever other obligation they had,” Ben Eli said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

“I want to make sure that this summer I thoroughly analyze what we need to change, and I have to stay true to LAFC’s identity.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

All you’ll need is a block of tofu, cottage cheese and a few seasonings.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

My knees lock and we both stare at each other, neither of us able to find the words that need to be spoken.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing need


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "need" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com