Gloss · Another word for · need

Another word for need.

Need does a lot of work: a duty, a gap, a demand. Name the one you mean.

Having to do it

• have toPlainer; the duty comes from outside.I have to be at work by eight.
• mustFirmer, with no way around it.You must sign both copies before you leave.
• shouldSofter; advice rather than a must.You should get that cough looked at.

Missing something

• could useCasual and mild; it would help.I could use a coffee before the meeting.
• lackNames the gap, without the urgency.The team lacks a good goalkeeper.

In formal writing

• requireFormal; set by rules or circumstances.The job requires a valid driver’s license.
• call forThe situation needs it, not a person.This recipe calls for two cups of flour.
• warrantFormal; the facts justify it.The results warrant a closer look.

When to keep “need”

Keep need when something truly can’t wait; “I need help” should never be softened.

In Gloss, every word comes with its near neighbours and a line on how they differ, so you can pick the exact one. For iPhone, free for three days.

More words to swap

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