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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desideratum
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. wish
  4. condition
Noun
  • These old folks would rather be short than long, and their short sales (which are bets that the stocks will go down lower) are part of the fuel that makes owning at least some of these a must.
    — Jim Cramer, Contributor, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • For an elevated yet quintessential camp-like experience, High Hampton is a must.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether legal requirements are met, and the brothers have the option to mount legal challenges.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • That means ensuring ballot questions are accurately summarized, comply with applicable legal standards, and satisfy constitutional requirements before they are certified.
    — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • This discrepancy between wish fulfilment and truth-seeking is simple enough to grasp when there’s a binary question, such as whether Odysseus is alive or dead.
    — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • So my number one wish is that more folks knew that there’s a reality that not all children survive their diagnosis, as sad as that is, and as hard as that is.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • During these sleep periods, New Horizons remains in a largely unpowered but stable mode, while its flight computer keeps close tabs on the spacecraft’s condition and sends back a weekly beacon to flight controllers.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • School boards and parents are also concerned about children walking to school in pitch-black conditions during winter mornings.
    — Yonat Shimron, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of condition

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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 23 Jul. 2026.

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