demand
verb (used with object)
to ask for with proper authority; claim as a right.
were demanding
-
past progressiveof demand.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The outgoing president decreed a 24% minimum wage hike this January, more than even unions were demanding.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
But he was respected sufficiently by his peers to be chosen president of the Major League Umpires Association at a time when umps were demanding better pay and time off during the season.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 26, 2026
In February 2024, general contractor Lendlease filed a petition for the involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Oceanwide Holdings to force a sale of the property and pay creditors who were demanding almost $400 million.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026
There is "plenty of evidence" that social media does harm to teens, he said, adding that some were demanding an unrealistic level of proof.
From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026
And I was protesting their holding me and they were demanding that I return to them and were annoyed with my refusal.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
