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
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
-
Rib-sticking beef and pork dishes are the stars of the menu; ropa vieja, a Cuban stew made with shredded beef braised in tomato sauce and pepper sofrito, is a must-order for carnivores and omnivores.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The spa The spa is a must-visit while at Mohonk.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Afterwards, ByteDance rolled back that feature and introduced verification requirements for users who want to create digital avatars with their own images and audio, according to Chinese media.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Not all nurses are certified to be a SANE, and certification requirements vary by state, according to Sekula.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This wish is granted, but Salieri reneges on his end of the deal after losing faith in the Almighty.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Fans of the books will know that Greer and Garner's characters are not exactly friendly, which could set the stage for Garner getting her onscreen wish.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Prosecutors say the defendant failed to take into account his girlfriend’s inexperience in mountain climbing as well as the harsh winter conditions.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The crews have not yet been able to remove the victims from the mountain because of the extreme conditions, the sheriff said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Desideratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desideratum. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
