as in must
formal
something that is needed or wanted
a list of political desiderata
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Recent Examples of desideratum
Diversity isn’t necessarily an ethical desideratum in a collection.
—
New York Times, 28 Sep. 2021
The Trump administration has sought nothing less than a reformulation of U.S. policy on the two-state solution, bringing it in line with Netanyahu’s desiderata
Among Netanyahu’s enablers, however, one partner stands out.
—Aaron David Miller, Foreign Affairs, 30 June 2020
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
We marketing teams came to believe we alone could save startups from untimely deaths by achieving the desideratum to end all desiderata: product/market fit.
—Wired, 22 Oct. 2019
Airports supply the greatest desideratum of physical retail: foot traffic.
—Daniel Gross, Slate Magazine, 7 Sep. 2017
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
New York Times, 28 Sep. 2021
The Trump administration has sought nothing less than a reformulation of U.S. policy on the two-state solution, bringing it in line with Netanyahu’s desiderata
Among Netanyahu’s enablers, however, one partner stands out.
—Aaron David Miller, Foreign Affairs, 30 June 2020
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
We marketing teams came to believe we alone could save startups from untimely deaths by achieving the desideratum to end all desiderata: product/market fit.
—Wired, 22 Oct. 2019
Airports supply the greatest desideratum of physical retail: foot traffic.
—Daniel Gross, Slate Magazine, 7 Sep. 2017
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
Noun
-
Cotton Essential Lay-Flat Travel Organizer A large organizer that holds skincare products, makeup, and makeup brushes is a must for both travel and everyday life, and this version lays flat when opened for maximum visibility.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
If that’s you, Wayfair’s antique-looking furniture and decor is a must-shop.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Interviewing Raheem Morris and Antonio Pierce satisfied the NFL's Rooney Rule requirements for minority or female candidates, and Harbaugh's visit to northern New Jersey paved the way to make a hire before any of the more than half-dozen teams with a vacancy.—
STEPHEN WHYNO,
Arkansas Online,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Full experience requirements did not appear to be listed.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
My affection curiously clings to your passionate wish.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
-
My wish is that the Dolphins take their time finding a quarterback.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Physicists call such conditions Schrödinger cat states, named after Erwin Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The condition of the unborn baby was not immediately known.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Desideratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desideratum. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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