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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.

“We need the next three days to get over the disappointment and fatigue,” Broos said, before addressing his team’s mere two shots on goal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Those aged 18 to 25 who are entering higher education will need to contact their health board later in July.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Long-term bonds need to offer a much bigger relative value over stocks for investors to move over.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

President Trump said that he has an agreement with Iran to end the conflict, but that final details still need to be completed in coming days.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

“Why would a free boy need to know that?” asks Grandpa sharply.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes




Vocabulary lists containing need


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