desideratum

noun

Definition of desideratumnext
as in must
formal something that is needed or wanted a list of political desiderata

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 desideratum Coel signs on as McKellen’s assistant; shifts in desiderata and allegiance ensue. — Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 Diversity isn’t necessarily an ethical desideratum in a collection. — New York Times, 28 Sep. 2021 Remaining at home is invariably the desideratum for most among the elderly, and this includes the wish to die at home. — Joseph Epstein, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2020 Some of the author costs are used to pay reviewers, causing one to question whether the process is always unbiased, as is the desideratum. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desideratum
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. wish
  4. condition
Noun
  • Visiting this elegant waterfront restaurant, participating in Spice for the first time, is a must.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • This seven-floor fashion amusement park has quickly established itself as a must-visit staple.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • There’s a new AI graduation requirement at Purdue University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, the models will gracefully absorb more complex requirements.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • That wish was granted, as Season 4 will be released Wednesday.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
  • His wish came true on May 4, 2026, when, after a more than eight-year hiatus, Cabo Verde Airlines officially resumed its direct flight between Providence, Rhode Island and Praia, Cape Verde.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • The girl had been diagnosed with a rare gene defect that produces a neurodevelopmental condition known as Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome, Science reported.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The medical professional also checked the boxes saying Grayson would be incapacitated within six months and his condition was unlikely to improve.
    — Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of condition

Browse Nearby Words

desiderations
desideratum
design
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Desideratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desideratum. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of torpor

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All