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
  • Of course, installing last week’s security update is also a must.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, reading the instructions on any product is a must, McCarthy said, to use it safely and maximize its effectiveness.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • States are also setting up systems that may not adequately track pregnant and postpartum enrollees who should be exempt from the law’s new work requirements, erroneously dropping them from coverage, Burak’s report said.
    — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There is a new effort to increase the minimum wage and training requirements for security guards in California ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • That includes when a TMZ reporter found her at the airport and asked about Dickerson’s wish to marry her.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Bear then tries to get Ian to reverse the wish, but Ian wishes for money instead.
    — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • One owner of an EFL club, who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, was more pessimistic.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The last three Democratic presidents inherited terrible economic conditions and had to spend to rescue the country from soaring joblessness, the housing crisis and the pandemic, respectively.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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