as in necessities
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
hiking boots are a must-have for this trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-haves
Who can resist a good deal on thrifted kitchen must-haves like a cast-iron skillet or a set of servingware?
—
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Others called out its shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and a Sunday roast dinner as must-haves.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Free People’s take on the exaggerated shape arrives in the form of these bedroom must-haves that can also be donned outside of it.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Herro, Ware and the three first-rounders would likely be the starting point must-haves for Milwaukee.
—Greg Cote
may 25, Miami Herald, 25 May 2026
Plus, shop more sun season must-haves, below.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Don’t let the weekend pass without shopping these summer must-haves at Lululemon, and hurry, because popular styles are going fast.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
So, don’t wait to fill up your cart and add stylish summer must-haves to your regular rotation.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
Secure these versatile closet must-haves to refresh your spring and summer wardrobe now.
—Irina Grechko, Vogue, 7 May 2026
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Others called out its shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and a Sunday roast dinner as must-haves.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Free People’s take on the exaggerated shape arrives in the form of these bedroom must-haves that can also be donned outside of it.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Herro, Ware and the three first-rounders would likely be the starting point must-haves for Milwaukee.
—Greg Cote
may 25, Miami Herald, 25 May 2026
Plus, shop more sun season must-haves, below.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Don’t let the weekend pass without shopping these summer must-haves at Lululemon, and hurry, because popular styles are going fast.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
So, don’t wait to fill up your cart and add stylish summer must-haves to your regular rotation.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
Secure these versatile closet must-haves to refresh your spring and summer wardrobe now.
—Irina Grechko, Vogue, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-haves
Noun
-
This rule can provide important peace of mind for retirees who rely heavily on Social Security income to cover necessities like housing, food, transportation and healthcare expenses.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
At the turn of the 20th century, the great institutions of urban life — libraries, museums, post offices, train stations — were conceived as luxurious refuges for those who could only afford necessities.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
While the surge in prices is happening around the world, gas costs more in California than almost anywhere else because of higher taxes, fees and cleaner-fuel requirements.—
Lily Wright,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
WhatsApp’s system requirements are updated every year to ensure the app is protected by the latest security updates.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Tex-Mex and barbecue are musts, and the options are plentiful.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
Those are musts if Minnesota plans to grab a game in this trip to Colorado.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Must-haves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-haves. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
