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Definitions

require

[ri-kwahyuhr] / rɪˈkwaɪər /
VERB
need, want
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lack
STRONG
crave desire miss wish
WEAK
depend upon feel necessity for have need hurting for stand in need
Antonyms
STRONG
dislike hate not want
WEAK
have
VERB
ask, demand; necessitate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
call for cause compel demand expect instruct involve obligate oblige order request take
STRONG
beg beseech bid challenge claim command constrain crave direct enjoin entail exact postulate requisition solicit
WEAK
assert oneself call upon insist upon look for push for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disallow give let off offer reply stop
STRONG
answer
WEAK
dislike have not want

Usage

What are other ways to say require? The verb require, which expresses necessity, 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. Need often suggests urgency, stressing the necessity of supplying what is lacking: to need an operation, better food, a match to light the fire.

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.

There was no indication that the injuries were serious enough to require hospitalization.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Avital organises events for her university's Jewish Society and says she finds it depressing that their social events require security.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

You might be in a better position if you cross out parts of the hospital’s consent form that require you to promise payment before you sign, and then take a picture of it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Large data centers already consume vast amounts of power and require significant water for cooling.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

“Do you require musical accompaniment, O Great Timdini?”

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Vocabulary lists containing require

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 81-90

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Quartering Act (1765)

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