Synonym Chooser

How does the verb require contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of require are claim, demand, and exact. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation.

the patient requires constant attention

When is it sensible to use claim instead of require?

The synonyms claim and require are sometimes interchangeable, but claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right.

claimed the right to manage his own affairs

When is demand a more appropriate choice than require?

While the synonyms demand and require are close in meaning, demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

Where would exact be a reasonable alternative to require?

In some situations, the words exact and require are roughly equivalent. However, exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Examples of require in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Because of that restriction, under California election law, Measure C requires two-thirds approval, not a simple majority, for passage. Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024 Like a fine mole, magical realism requires incredible complexity to yield something that is then perceived as quite simple. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024 Other seasonal offerings are included with regular admission, and some activities require no tickets at all. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 There is currently no federal law requiring organizations to give their employees time off to vote during working hours. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for require 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for require
Verb
  • But there is another staple in your closet that might need a cold-weather refresh, too: leggings.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The novel centered on a desperate man named Ben Richards, needing money for his sick daughter, who joins the most popular show, The Running Man, in which teams of killers hunt down contestants.
    Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Even with this common sense stowed away somewhere in our brains, gracious hosts can't help but want everything to be as close to perfect as possible for their guests (yes, even in the rooms no one will enter).
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Madigan-Curtis also sees a way forward for any business that wants to build trust in its climate reporting.
    Nick Rockel, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After the Nabataean Kingdom lost control to Trajan’s legions in 106 CE, however, the Romans took control of the trade networks and the Nabataeans lost their source of wealth.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2024
  • However, as the quest to be superior to competitors continues to drive retailers, especially as AI’s capabilities get more refined, personalization has taken its spot at center stage.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near require

Cite this Entry

“Require.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/require. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on require

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