must-have 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of must-havenext
as in essential
impossible to do without aprons are must-have accessories for the cooking class

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

must-have

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst-ˌhav How to pronounce must-have (audio)
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable hiking boots are a must-have for this trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of must-have
Noun
Zeta says a product that goes viral in a child’s feed in late August can move from unknown to must-have within 72 hours. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Sleeping Accessories Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows are all must-haves for a storm shelter. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 Dorm must-haves, classroom tech and more For kids heading to a new school, struggling to make friends, or feeling nervous about putting themselves out there, McBride encourages them to stay positive. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Shop incredible deals on travel-ready clothing, comfortable shoes, reliable luggage, and must-have accessories. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must-have
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have
  1. essential
  2. must
  3. necessary
  4. requirement
  5. integral
  6. necessity
  7. required
  8. needed
Adjective
  • Koeckeritz argued that a paved parking lot is an essential accessory to its main function — worship — not the principal use of the property across the street from the towering cathedral.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Which essential services, such as banks and postal delivery, will be closed?
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of essential
Noun
  • The Dunbar Social by Topgolf Swing Suite is a must-visit, especially for families or sports fans.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Prioritize Automation That Frees Your Time Automating as many financial processes in your life and business is a must in 2026, freeing up your time and energy.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of must
Adjective
  • Onslaught Is All Blood, No Guts Adam Wingard’s latest film is a too-slick wannabe grindhouse action-slasher lacking the engine necessary to power it.
    — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than directly buying the land necessary, Kingsbarn will look to participate in an exchange.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessary
Noun
  • Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Adjective
  • All eyes on food Diesel is integral to every part of the food supply chain.
    — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Leipzig scenes are both ephemeral and integral; later, Taro will speculate that if the Germans had had the same revolutionary zeal as the Spanish, Hitler might have been defeated.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of integral
Noun
  • The Democratic candidate for governor is proposing to allow cities and counties to temporarily suspend or eliminate local sales tax on groceries, baby formula, diapers, feminine hygiene products and other necessities.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His occasional free-agent splurges obscured an organizational myopia that left his team with scant investments in staffing, analytical advancements and technological necessities.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessity
Adjective
  • Hot hold foods did not reach required temperature; food was reheated.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But at the school linked to the first cases, only 17% of students had proof of required immunizations.
    — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Senior Trey Cooley, who transferred from Troy, and senior Jayden Limar, who ran for 262 yards last season at Oregon, provide needed depth.
    — Andrew Destin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The development comes a week after the city started the process of relocating residents to allow for the new owner to make needed repairs.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of needed

Browse Nearby Words

musters out
must-have
must-haves
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Cite this Entry

“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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