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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.

"It suggests new ways to intervene before patients progress to severe inflammation that can require intubation."

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

While perhaps the strongest of the three arguments, that title of the Civil Rights Act goes on to require the attorney general to offer a “statement of the basis and the purpose” of their request.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

In 20 cases, patient care fell "below the level that would have been expected", while around 250 patients require a repeat scan to "monitor any changes to bone density".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The license renewal from the commission allows the plant to remain running for 20 years, although extending it past 2030 would require additional action from the California Legislature.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Teachers require professional development to learn about the arts standards.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.