MUST-HAVE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

must-have 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of must-have

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

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

Chanyarn Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater As evidenced by Pamela Anderson, a black turtleneck is a fall must-have. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026 For most metro Atlanta drivers, AWD is a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Replace your daily must-haves, and keep a small pouch inside for loose items like lip balm, hair ties, and bobby pins. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026 Keep scrolling to discover more must-haves in fashion, home, kitchen, and outdoor. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must-have

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have

Adjective

The same report found that 73% of respondents call AI essential, but only 13% of organizations have integrated it into real workflows.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
There are more details about his parents, a sojourn into San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown and an assertion of autonomy within the Trask household, of which Lee is an essential part.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Noun

And while Rockliffe’s new temple of gastronomy is worthy alone of a trip here, staying the night is a must.

— Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026
The clear panels fill it with natural light while offering UV protection — an absolute must as a skin cancer survivor.

— Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of must

Adjective

To pull off this pant-less look, a high-quality leather piece is necessary to prevent it from reading cheap.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
The researchers estimate that several more years of work will be necessary before the technology could become part of a prosthesis capable of sensing and responding naturally to its surroundings.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessary

Noun

Thiel also secured New Zealand citizenship in 2011, receiving a special exemption from the usual residency requirements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The company said at the time that the facility would test battery performance, quality and durability under requirements specific to the region.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
For the Fondation Beyeler, the surrounding nature preserve and park, the Naturschutzgebiet Eisweiher, is an integral part of its campus.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of integral

Noun

Noir is to superhero as physical mediums are to digital media as physical necessity is to virtual contingency.

— Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The project is part of a $46-billion border buildout facing resistance from landowners, Native American tribes and conservation groups over its costs, necessity and potential damage to sensitive landscapes.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessity

Adjective

As for videos, adding the required warning can satisfy the disclosure requirement in the Louisiana law.

— Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Because the carbon material smooths itself during deposition, manufacturers can eliminate downstream chemical mechanical planarization or etch-back steps that are normally needed to create the required surface.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

Both could go a long way in lengthening the Yankees’ postseason lineup; the righty-swinging Lombard, in particular, provides some needed balance.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
Among the boundaries that have been breached, according to the new report, are carbon dioxide concentrations, which reached a record 426 parts per million (ppm) because fossil fuel burning had not decreased at nearly the needed pace.

— Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of needed

Browse Nearby Words

musters out

must-have

must-haves

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Style

“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-have

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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