NEEDING Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

needing

verb

present participle of need

as in requiring

to have as a requirement a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of needing When exposed to warmth, this shape-memory alloy contracts sharply, converting thermal energy directly into a powerful mechanical pulling force without needing an electric motor. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 The organization has six locations throughout Indiana, with 179 people total still needing shelter. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Musashi also finds many Oni weapons on his journey, but they can only be used once before needing to be charged with blue souls. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 Still, Preece effectively brought back the old format for one night, needing a big performance and for van Gisbergen to struggle to have a chance. — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Schneider found himself in the fast lane, needing to figure out those driving skills on the fly. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 This crescent bag is an easy style that will carry you into the evening without needing a bag swap. — Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 String lights never go out of style, and these waterproof lights from Brightown have just as much brightness as plug-in lights without needing an outlet. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 For now, Neda, a 34-year-old Tehran resident struggling with kidney disease and needing medication, is holding her breath as she is once again forced to buy only half of her monthly dose. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for needing

Verb

The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.

— Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
Measuring waist circumference has the advantage of not requiring specialized equipment, so patients can keep track at home.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of requiring

Verb

For retailers and brands wanting to tap in, differentiation will rely on newness and innovation.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
The extension seems unlikely based on what McBride should want (and likely can get from another team) and New York wanting to keep as much flexibility as possible.

— James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of wanting

Verb

At this late juncture in the season, the instability of the Akira One’s revolving-door crew is taking its toll.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
According to the memo, Google will begin taking electric service in February 2027 and will ramp up to full capacity by October 2029.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of taking

Browse Nearby Words

neediness

needing

needle

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“Needing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of needing

verb

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