as in necessities
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
hiking boots are a must-have for this trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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To secure this ideal, the country would need to establish necessities such as education, employment, decent shelter, medical care, and recreation as human rights — rights to be as inalienable as the freedoms of speech and religion are today.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Sep. 2025
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The ensuite bathroom was a bit fluorescent and barracks-like but was stocked with all the necessities, CO Bigelow-style.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 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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Then, in January 2025, the government introduced a Social Media Bill that placed further requirements on social media platforms.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
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Over the years, the government's reporting requirements have changed, which makes historical comparisons a little tricky.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Must-haves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-haves. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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