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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.

And you kind of need to really love L.A. to really fix what ails it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

He added: "We need a mandatory minimum fine of £20,000 and, again, vehicle forfeiture on conviction."

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

And our team will be deployed around the country to bring you all the news and analysis you need.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Julia Lee had no need for a new garden when she and her husband purchased their Cheviot Hills home eight years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

I need to forget everything just for one night.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold




Vocabulary lists containing need


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