must-have 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of must-havenext
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 How to pronounce must-have (audio)
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
Keep scrolling to treat yourself to Amazon outlet’s home must-haves and score steep end-of-summer savings. — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 With searches surging for space-saving furniture and organization must-haves, Ikea has a handful of trending picks that fit the bill, including the Markus chair, Kallax shelf, Alex nine-drawer unit and more. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Used for cleaning the algae off the inside of an aquarium, this is a must-have when cleaning your betta fish tank. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 Linen is one of my all-time favorite summer fabrics, making this strappy maxi dress a must-have. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must-have
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have
  1. essential
  2. must
  3. necessary
  4. requirement
  5. integral
  6. necessity
  7. required
  8. needed
Adjective
  • Those materials are essential for making semiconductors, aerospace equipment and many other modern technologies, but China mines and refines an outsized share of the world's critical minerals.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • What to Do on Rest Days Rest days are essential in your workout routine to avoid muscle injury.
    — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of essential
Noun
  • Comfortable shoes are also a must, as the sightseeing around Europe is second to none.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Maurer notes that David Austin Roses, in particular, are a must.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of must
Adjective
  • Tether defends the short delay as a necessary trade-off for responsible responsiveness in a large ecosystem, rejecting claims of a loophole.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Every Fathom, even the most barebones, will have the hardware and sensors necessary to turn on BlueCruise, the company’s software that enables drivers to take their hands off the wheel while on the highway.
    — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Noun
  • This latter requirement is contingent on very strong or extreme geomagnetic activity.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • State media published the list of requirements from Zolghadr, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
    — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Adjective
  • These elements are integral to Witch Hat Atelier, as author Kamome Shirahama explains her intent on crafting a purposeful world; one where a reader learns to recognize the signs of danger inside and outside of a fictional tale.
    — Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Reading a book begins before a book is ever read, and of course the cover images are the most integral part of that process.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of integral
Noun
  • The high state of prices at retail and for necessities remains one of the most pivotal factors impacting consumers’ views of the economy, the U-M study showed.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This is partly out of necessity, as nonprofits, more than any other sector, need to be constantly responsive to the shifting winds of community need and donor focus.
    — Max Simkoff, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessity
Adjective
  • The resolution there would be unlikely to muster the required 60 votes needed to advance.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The city later cleared the restaurant to reopen after the required corrections were made.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The Kalshi conundrum Unlike some of the other companies that oversee affiliated trading arms, Kalshi has suggested in public statements that its corporate sibling exists solely to add needed liquidity in thin markets.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Jackie helps Cole with the UT stuff and Cole helps Jackie just get out of her shell and live life a little bit, which is so needed.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of needed

Browse Nearby Words

musters out
must-have
must-haves
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Cite this Entry

“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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