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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.

“But we need a lot more emphasis on the low-cost side.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Ministers have repeatedly said they need additional resources from Westminster in order to balance their departmental budgets.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

"It's about making sure they know who to turn to and what tools, techniques and tips you need if your child is a bit behind."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“We need you to bring in a ton of money from people who owe it, not a ton of technology,” Welch responded.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“Don’t worry. I’ll pay her back. I forgot to tell her I didn’t need any this week.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing need