MUST-HAVE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

must-have 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of must-have

as in essential

impossible to do without aprons are must-have accessories for the cooking class

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

must-have

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst-ˌhav

as in must

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable hiking boots are a must-have for this trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 must-have

Noun

Boots Just as flip-flops are a summer wardrobe essential, a reliable pair of boots is a must-have once fall rolls around. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026 Classic Green Bean Casserole Green beans are a must-have on not only at holidays but pretty much every Southern get-together. — Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026 As fashion people and creatives around the world descend into Fashion Month, WWD Weekend asked eight attendees to share their beauty must-haves that get them through the hubbub. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 That chain-of-evidence is a must-have to drive confidence in your data. — Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must-have

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have

Adjective

Ohanian said the debate around AI should focus on substantive risks rather than issues that can be used to score political points, arguing that an informed public is essential to navigating the technology.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Refillable deodorant, once a niche pick from small sustainability brands, is now attracting the biggest names in personal care and reshaping how millions of people shop for a daily essential.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Noun

The butter chicken chops are a must, of course, but so are the wagyu kheema naan, chicken tikka chaat, and the kali mirch beef kabab.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Comfortable, versatile pairs As any avid traveler will tell you, packing comfortable shoes for any trip is a must.

— Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of must

Adjective

Researchers say additional multiphysics simulations and vehicle-level testing remain necessary.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Republicans needed Democratic support to win the 60 votes necessary to move forward on the bill in the 53-47 Senate.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessary

Noun

By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Yet after this rapid expansion, any potential slowdown in AI demand growth, or efficiency gains that reduce data center power requirements, could introduce significant instability into power grid operations.

— , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

Soundgarden were already a major label band with two albums out when bassist Ben Shepherd joined in 1990, but their new bassist quickly became an integral part of the band’s songwriting process.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
Since sound is integral to a large number of modern devices like smartphones, potential applications could also evolve in these fields.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of integral

Noun

Diners have been eating out less frequently, trying to save money while paying more for gas, groceries and other necessities.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Between the former’s inconsistency and the latter’s struggles to stay healthy, Levi might be the Oilers’ definitive starter out of nothing more than pure necessity.

— Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessity

Adjective

The report describes cramped windowless housing units offering barely half the required living space, limited showers and recreation, and poor access to clean drinking water, hygiene supplies and legal materials.

— Gisela Salomon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The city said the event cannot move forward on the new date unless organizers complete the required permitting process.

— Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

This is the airspace Gillian has carved out for herself in 2026, when her services are extra-needed.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
Most schools lack the needed additional teacher support, access to civics training, connection to community, and family engagement, DePaul said.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of needed

Browse Nearby Words

musters out

must-have

must-haves

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“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-have

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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