SHOULD: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for SHOULD?

Need another word that means the same as “should”? Find 3 synonyms for “should” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Should” are: ought, need, must

Should as a Verb

Definitions of "Should" as a verb

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “should” as a verb can have the following definitions:

  • Used to give or ask advice or suggestions.
  • Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions.
  • Used in a clause with ‘that’ expressing purpose.
  • (expressing the conditional mood) referring to a possible event or situation.
  • Used to indicate what is probable.
  • Emphasizing how surprising an event was.
  • (in the first person) indicating the consequence of an imagined event.
  • Used to give advice.
  • Used in a clause with ‘that’ after a main clause describing feelings.
  • (in the first person) expressing a polite request or acceptance.
  • Indicating a desirable or expected state.
  • Used to emphasize to a listener how striking an event is or was.
  • (in the first person) expressing a conjecture or hope.

Synonyms of "Should" as a verb (3 Words)

mustExpressing an opinion about something that is logically very likely.
You must show your ID card.
needHave or feel a need for.
Lest you even more than needs embitter our parting.
oughtUsed to indicate a desirable or expected state.
Thanks for your letter which I ought to have answered sooner.

Usage Examples of "Should" as a verb

  • We should be grateful for your advice.
  • I should like some more, if I may.
  • It is astonishing that we should find violence here.
  • I should hold out if I were you.
  • You should go back to bed.
  • He should have been careful.
  • Should anyone arrive late, admission is likely to be refused.
  • The bus should arrive in a few minutes.
  • ‘It won't happen again.’ ‘I should hope not.
  • If you should change your mind, I'll be at the hotel.
  • £348 m should be enough to buy him out.
  • I was in this shop when who should I see across the street but Tobias.
  • In order that training should be effective it must be planned systematically.
  • You shouldn't have gone.
  • He'll have a sore head, I should imagine.
  • I think we should trust our people more.
  • You should have seen Marge's face.
  • By now pupils should be able to read with a large degree of independence.
  • What should I wear?
  • If I were to obey my first impulse, I should spend my days writing letters.

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