MUST-HAVES Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

must-haves

noun

plural of must-have

as in necessities

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable hiking boots are a must-have for this trip

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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 Shop our 15 must-haves from Martha Stewart, Peanuts, and more below at up to 65 percent off, starting at just $5. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026 Of course, bows and tulle are also must-haves for LFW attendee thanks to Simone Rocha. — Phil Oh, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 There were will be deals across more than 35 categories, including trending products, fall must-haves, premium brands, decor and hosting essentials, tech, Halloween and beyond. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 United passengers flying from select gates at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal C are now able to pre-order food, drinks and other travel must-haves, such as charging cords or neck pillows, on the airline's mobile app. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Shop more beauty must-haves for fall at Nordstrom below including an anti-aging serum and travel-ready hand cream. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Sleeping Accessories Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows are all must-haves for a storm shelter. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 Separating the must-haves from the nice-to-haves can help parents decide where to hold firm and where a splurge might fit within the family budget. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 The main compartment is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a 16-inch MacBook, toiletry bag, and your in-cabin must-haves, along with clothing, shoes, and other essentials needed for a long weekend trip. — Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-haves

Noun

It’s required for scientists to secure appointments, promotions, funding, access to students, and other necessities.

— Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Chalk it up to how busy guys’ lives have gotten, loosening gender norms, or the simple fact that pockets are inadequate for modern life’s necessities.

— Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessities

Noun

Compared with legacy platforms, the Ship-to-Shore Connector incorporates design improvements intended to increase payload capacity and speed while reducing operator and logistical requirements.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
The new changes in the electoral law ease some requirements for candidates seeking office, eliminate the need for some financial documents and a mandatory medical certificate, and introduce electronic voter registration.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirements

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must-have

must-haves

mustiness

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“Must-haves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-haves. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-haves

noun

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