The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word NEEDS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
N
E
E
D
S
More clues leading to the result NEEDS
- Can't do without Geordie news bosses?
- Observed to turn up clutching daughter's shopping-list, say
- Requirements of Durham press chiefs?
- . Wants to be observed taking daughter back
- Wants current reversed between poles
- Things required if hooligans take Ecstasy
- Can’t do without Tyneside newsmen?
- Can’t do without Geordie news bosses?
- Demands massages, say
- Requires dense brew
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Wants" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case wants = needs.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NEEDS mean?
NEEDS adverb- Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; used with an auxiliary verb (often must), and equivalent to "of need".
- A requirement for something; something needed.
- Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
- To have an absolute requirement for.
- To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.
- (modal verb) To be obliged or required (to do something).
- To be required; to be necessary.
- To be necessary (to someone).