need
noun
\ ˈnēd
\
\
Definition of need
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize the need to pay taxes— Peter Scott
2a
: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
a building adequate for the company's needs
b
: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
health and education needs
3
: a condition requiring supply or relief
The house is in need of repair. refugees in need of shelter and food
4
: lack of the means of subsistence (see subsistence sense 2) : poverty
The community program provides for those in need.
need
verb
needed;
needing;
needs
or (auxiliary) need
Definition of need (Entry 2 of 2)
: to be in need of : require
: be under necessity or obligation to
you need not answer she need only wait
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Synonyms & Antonyms for need
Synonyms: Noun
absence, lack, needfulness, want
Synonyms: Verb
bear, challenge, claim, demand, necessitate, require, take, want, warrant
Antonyms: Verb
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Examples of need in a Sentence
Noun
You can always call me at home if the need arises. These new methods reduce the need to use harmful chemicals on crops. We find that there is still a need for further discussion. There is a great need for change. Our experienced staff will go out of their way to meet your every need. He has trouble expressing his emotional needs. I felt a need to take control of the situation. a need to be loved She has an overwhelming need to be liked and respected. I don't feel the need to defend my decision.Verb
I need some advice. What do you think of this dress? I just need a couple of minutes to get ready. Most babies need at least 12 hours of sleep a day. We badly need a vacation. Further research is urgently needed if we are to find a cure. Another delay is the last thing I need! Men? Who needs them?! I certainly don't.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Judge Yelena Kaneva of the Lefortovsky District Court eventually summoned an ambulance crew, who examined Whelan and said there was no need to treat him. — Will Englund, Washington Post, "American held in Russia on suspicion of being a spy sent back to jail for another two months," 23 Aug. 2019 More significantly, the sharp rollback proposed for CAFE was not embraced by the auto industry — even though carmakers had questioned whether there might be a need for a more modest rollback in the Obama-era guidelines. — NBC News, "Trump attacks Ford for not supporting his rollback of Obama-era climate change protections," 22 Aug. 2019 Scale the world’s highest climbing wall in Reno, Nevada There's no need to head into the wilderness to test your rock-climbing skills. — Larry Bleiberg, USA TODAY, "10 great accessible adventures for ordinary travelers, from whitewater rafting to ziplines," 22 Aug. 2019 There is a pressing need to quickly and effectively resolve this problem. — Chris Kenning, The Courier-Journal, "Trump signs order to expedite forgiving student loan debt for disabled veterans," 21 Aug. 2019 Perhaps nowhere is both the need—and progress—more evident than where Rabinowitz’s work first began: Belize. — Steve Winter, National Geographic, "The struggle to protect a vital jaguar corridor," 21 Aug. 2019 Among the new followers, at least 8% need to come from North America, Australia, and New Zealand. — Quartz Staff, Quartz, "China’s propaganda machine is spending over $1 million to buy influence on foreign social media," 21 Aug. 2019 The entire narrative is visible in your feed; there is no need to click on a link. — Claire Wardle, Scientific American, "Misinformation Has Created a New World Disorder," 20 Aug. 2019 The choreography is creatively brutal, and most of the main cast members have at least some martial arts training and do their own fighting, so there's no need for Iron Fist-style creative editing. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Review: Fight scenes are the only bright spot in grim, joyless Wu Assassins," 19 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Bennett has set high standards for himself, and Santo will need him to return to those heights with the club hoping to move up the table and towards the European spots. — SI.com, "Wolves Premier League Month in Review: August - Best Player, Worst Performance & Overall Rating," 8 Sep. 2019 Murray can’t do it all, and the Cardinals don’t need him to Week 1. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals: Here's what Lions must do to start 1-0," 6 Sep. 2019 The plan encourages the use of insect-friendly lights of certain wavelengths, along with motion detectors that turn on outdoor lights only when they are needed. — Gretchen Vogel, Science | AAAS, "€100 million German insect protection plan will protect habitats, restrict weed killers, and boost research," 6 Sep. 2019 One reason that blue and white porcelain has lasted the test of time is that the blue cobalt pigment can withstand the highest firing temperatures that are needed for porcelain. — Elizabeth Pash, House Beautiful, "What to Look for When Shopping for Blue and White Porcelain," 6 Sep. 2019 Most people don’t need nor want this much food, and for those diners, there are the more modest and refined ceviches, arepas and proteins. — Allyson Reedy, The Know, "Restaurant Review: Los Parceros, the tiny East Colfax Colombian restaurant with a big arepa menu," 5 Sep. 2019 Thankfully, even though her car was totaled, Nora was relatively unscathed and just needed a few stitches. — Savvy Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, Scientific American, "How to Conquer Your Fear of Driving," 4 Sep. 2019 Three different hospital ships are also within a few days sailing of the island, should they be needed. — Rachael Lallensack, Smithsonian, "Hurricane Dorian Batters the Bahamas Before Barreling Along the U.S. Coast," 4 Sep. 2019 So similarly, Newman needs 54 points with a repeat winner or someone already qualified or a top finish that’s better than the other drivers in this category. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "Breaking down NASCAR's playoff drivers, from who's in to final clinch scenarios," 4 Sep. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'need.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for need
need
noun
English Language Learners Definition of need
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a situation in which someone or something must do or have something
: something that a person must have : something that is needed in order to live or succeed or be happy
: a strong feeling that you must have or do something