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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.

The software industry has suffering through a months-long stock slump, as investors have feared that AI agents threaten to displace the need for traditional software vendors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

“There is clearly a need to at least manage the spending going forward and not be as ambitious,” said Tim Callen, a visiting fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Samantha was told in order keep the arrested men in custody, the force would need to collect evidence from her, including her bank cards.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“We need to evaluate all of our options moving forward,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“I thought maybe we could talk, or that we need to talk, or um, that I need to talk to you.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing need