as in necessities
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
hiking boots are a must-have for this trip
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Recent Examples of must-haves
As the ice cream evolution continues, stadiums are seeing the artisan concept grow and an international influence come into play, especially with sorbets and gelato must-haves in some regions (Slotterback says the demand for ice cream is the strongest in the Northeast and South).
—
Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
While a compact carry-on and durable oversized suitcase are must-haves in any luggage arsenal, the importance of a travel backpack shouldn’t be overlooked.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Dawn detailed all sorts of functional fashion staples like layers, bags, boots, and more must-haves for the season, plus textures to experiment with for some fun flair.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
One of her absolute must-haves is another playful dog friend in the home.
—Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
With three open cubbies (great for hats and storage baskets) and six metal hooks for jackets, keys, and bags, this rustic floating unit keeps daily must-haves within arms reach when heading out the door.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Fashion trends are known to come full circle—just like how Gen Z’s Y2K aesthetic modernized the early 2000s’ style must-haves.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 6 Aug. 2025
In Downtown Miami’s District 11, the new E11even Hotel and Residences features all the luxe must-haves—spa, designer interiors, and a buzzing rooftop lounge—but its standout perk is the private helipad on the 65th floor.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
While a compact carry-on and durable oversized suitcase are must-haves in any luggage arsenal, the importance of a travel backpack shouldn’t be overlooked.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Dawn detailed all sorts of functional fashion staples like layers, bags, boots, and more must-haves for the season, plus textures to experiment with for some fun flair.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
One of her absolute must-haves is another playful dog friend in the home.
—Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
With three open cubbies (great for hats and storage baskets) and six metal hooks for jackets, keys, and bags, this rustic floating unit keeps daily must-haves within arms reach when heading out the door.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Fashion trends are known to come full circle—just like how Gen Z’s Y2K aesthetic modernized the early 2000s’ style must-haves.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 6 Aug. 2025
In Downtown Miami’s District 11, the new E11even Hotel and Residences features all the luxe must-haves—spa, designer interiors, and a buzzing rooftop lounge—but its standout perk is the private helipad on the 65th floor.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-haves
Noun
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Williams had spent the night before with a small army of women getting together toiletries and basic necessities to hand out as the evacuees were shuttled by bus to the barracks.—
Suzette Hackney,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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But now these pieces feel like dust collectors rather than practical necessities.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Products like organic soap sprays and organic horticultural oil control smaller pests, while tree guards, netting, and fruit protection bags are musts for deterring birds and large critters such as groundhogs or raccoons, or deer that may damage the tree bark.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
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Be sure to stop by DeLuca’s Pizza and SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint, which are musts after working up an appetite hiking the trails and boating the waterways.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Congress had enacted byzantine eligibility requirements for disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits, forcing the agency to expend huge amounts of time and money running those programs.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
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Then there’s Reform California, DeMaio’s group, which is preparing to mail out 250,000 petitions for a ballot measure to tighten voter ID requirements in the state.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Must-haves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-haves. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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