desideratum

noun

Definition of desideratumnext
as in must
formal something that is needed or wanted a list of political desiderata

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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 desideratum Coel signs on as McKellen’s assistant; shifts in desiderata and allegiance ensue. — Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 Diversity isn’t necessarily an ethical desideratum in a collection. — New York Times, 28 Sep. 2021 Remaining at home is invariably the desideratum for most among the elderly, and this includes the wish to die at home. — Joseph Epstein, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2020 Some of the author costs are used to pay reviewers, causing one to question whether the process is always unbiased, as is the desideratum. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desideratum
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. wish
  4. condition
Noun
  • No matter your skin type, hydration is a must, and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is here to quench, replenish, and protect with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The breakfast buffet is a must to gain the energy to hike the trails through drenching spray later.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • Thiel also secured New Zealand citizenship in 2011, receiving a special exemption from the usual residency requirements.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The company said at the time that the facility would test battery performance, quality and durability under requirements specific to the region.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • His wish granted by coach Lance Leipold, Cummings-Coleman rushed for 48 yards on four carries and scored on a 24-yard TD dash in Saturday’s 55-0 home victory over Middle Tennessee.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Strikingly, most Gazans express a wish to stay and help rebuild their devastated homeland rather than emigrate.
    — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of wish
Noun
  • Hurricane conditions are expected within the Hurricane Warning area Friday night into early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions beginning on Friday.
    — MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • With top talent more sought-after and mobile than ever before, Sweden creates conditions that attract and retain the best inventors.
    — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of condition

Browse Nearby Words

desiderations
desideratum
design
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Cite this Entry

“Desideratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desideratum. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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