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 For another, the chief desideratum of a flying car has never been gymnastic performance. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 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 all-day menu gives you plenty of reasons to do just that—the cinnamon and oat griddle cakes with brown butter pecan crumble and berries are a must for breakfast.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • But there’s a more profound and abiding reason making the move was a must.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • Maxwell also highlighted that the aircraft is being designed around the practical requirements of cargo and logistics operators.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Its ability to clean floors, walls, waterlines and slopes gives it versatility across different cleaning requirements, while the dual filtration system and large debris basket support longer cleaning sessions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • The group demanded that charges be dropped — and got that wish from a court and district attorney.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Nov. 2026
  • In the show, Betty seeks a break from the fame and fortune of her black-and-white 1930s world, a wish which somehow whisks her into present-day full-color New York City.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • Under these conditions, the vision-language model can generate incorrect descriptions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Moon in your sign opposes Saturn, bringing your needs into contact with another person’s conditions.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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