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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.

Nitu believes there has been effort from the council to promote healthier lifestyles, adding: "We just need to go that one step further."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

But those recruits then need to decide whether to make the cross-state trek to work or relocate; the latter option means staring down bidding wars, pricey homes and high rents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Homeowners would need to keep any branches one foot away from the walls, five feet above the roof and 10 feet from chimneys.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Melamine sponges are known for removing stubborn stains without the need for extra chemicals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Frybread would somehow be an admission of need.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith




Vocabulary lists containing need