as in essential
impossible to do without
aprons are must-have accessories for the cooking class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Claire Peltier, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
The second-to-last course was an omakase must-have.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But thankfully, fast-shipping retailers can come to the rescue, and Amazon is a go-to for snagging those must-have items just in time.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
Best Manual Breast Pump A breast pump that transitions from manual to hands-free suction modes is a must-have for the nursing mom.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for must-have
Noun
The viral Stanley Quencher tumbler is, of course, on our list of must-have water bottles.
—Claire Peltier, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
The second-to-last course was an omakase must-have.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But thankfully, fast-shipping retailers can come to the rescue, and Amazon is a go-to for snagging those must-have items just in time.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
Best Manual Breast Pump A breast pump that transitions from manual to hands-free suction modes is a must-have for the nursing mom.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for must-have
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have
Adjective
-
Having a comfortable outdoor space is essential for relaxing and entertaining guests.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Proper disposal of leftover prescription drugs is essential to prevent misuse and keep harmful compounds out of local waterways and landfills, the city of Boise said in a press release.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Back in Blighty, the nearby city of Chichester is also a must-visit, with its Roman and Anglo-Saxon remnants, great shopping facilities, and its historic cathedral in the centre.—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Chanhassen certainly doesn’t jump to mind as a must-visit city, even among Minnesotans.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With his girth, incredible wingspan (85 inches) and arm length (35 inches), Collins is the requisite two-gap defensive tackle necessary for San Francisco’s defense.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
That means an entertainment license wouldn’t be necessary anymore for bars that want to host trivia nights, for bowling alleys and for coffee shops that have an unamplified live performer.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But somewhere along the line, other policy changes are likely to ripple outward, such as the easing of federal drug testing requirements.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The City Council unanimously approved the latest revision of those rules Tuesday, after council members earlier this month pressed city staff to add helmet requirements for all e-bike and e-scooter riders under 18-years-old.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Car ownership has long been integral to the American dream.—
Alexa St. John,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But Levinson’s very first movie suggests there’s something more integral missing from his creative formula.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Today, instead of betting on a full-time job, more Gen Z graduates are looking to alternative paths to employment out of necessity.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Making the record even more impressive was the revelation in the post-competition weighing of Wilkins’ discus to verify the record that the implement was actually two ounces heavier than the required 4 pounds, 6 ounces weight, a fact that cost Wilkins additional inches, probably feet.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Despite being a required vaccine in all states to attend public school, rates have been steadily decreasing over the last decade, CDC data shows.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Terner Center said going to multiple agencies for needed funding adds costs because developers have to endure higher legal, staffing and compliance costs to manage additional applications and contracts.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Offense gets a needed boost The Cubs haven’t yet hit like the group collectively expects to this season.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
