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desideratum

noun

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

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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
  • The butter chicken chops are a must, of course, but so are the wagyu kheema naan, chicken tikka chaat, and the kali mirch beef kabab.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Comfortable, versatile pairs As any avid traveler will tell you, packing comfortable shoes for any trip is a must.
    — Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Any player in the Italian top flight who has a heart condition or has undergone related surgery must pass Serie A’s sporting fitness requirements before returning to play.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • Loyalties typically drive a supporter’s wish to see their favourites win the biggest accolades but that, in turn, bleeds into why individual honours now mean so much to players and their clubs.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Per Sheldon’s wish, he was cremated and the family will hold a private service.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.
    — JEAN-YVES KAMALE, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Israel robs children of their smallest joys because joy is the seed of hope, and that is how the body learns that captivity is not the natural condition of life.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of condition

Browse Nearby Words

desiderations
desideratum
design
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Cite this Entry

“Desideratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desideratum. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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