Need
Need noun - Something one must do because of prior agreement.
Usage example: no need to apologize
Option
Option noun - Something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment.
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
- The final blacksmith is probably the worst; while he's always there and gives the option to recruit him, you need to take 4 other blacksmiths along.
Source: Lost Forever / Role-Playing Game - So a school like that is actually a logical option, if you need something to backup the useless sabotaged armada of your planet.
Source: Serious Business / Video Games -
When a character has need of his signature weapon, or any other handheld item, he sometimes has the option of summoning it even if it's not nearby.
Source: Summon to Hand
Cite this Source
Option and Need. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/need/option
Need & Option. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/need/option>.
Option or Need. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/need/option.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "need" and "option" have occurred on timeline