need

²need

verb

need·edneed·ingneeds or (auxiliary) need

Definition of NEED

intransitive verb

1

: to be needful or necessary

2

: to be in want

transitive verb

: to be in need of : require

verbal auxiliary

: be under necessity or obligation to <you need not answer> <she need only wait>

Examples of NEED

1. I need some advice. What do you think of this dress?
2. I just need a couple of minutes to get ready.
3. Most babies need at least 12 hours of sleep a day.
4. We badly need a vacation.
5. Further research is urgently needed if we are to find a cure.
6. Another delay is the last thing I need!
7. Men? Who needs them?! I certainly don't.

First Known Use of NEED

before 12th century

Related to NEED

Synonyms: bear, challenge, claim, demand, necessitate, require, take, want, warrant, call for

Antonyms: have, hold

Related Words: entail, involve; ask, beg, claim, clamor (for), cry (for); hurt (for), lack; command, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulate

Near Antonyms: own, possess

see all synonyms and antonyms

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