MUST-HAVE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

must-have 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of must-have

as in essential

impossible to do without aprons are must-have accessories for the cooking class

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

must-have

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst-ˌhav

as in must

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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-have

Noun

The grey alien was a must-have, especially given the UFO floating atop this display piece, but the one-off monster of the week, Flukeman, felt like a weird choice. — Ian Stokes, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The must-have jacket for fall 2026 is actually an old favorite. — Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2026 The pieces are so good and truly must-haves for my fall and winter wardrobe. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 17 Oct. 2026 All three dermatologists are quick to say that sunscreen is the absolute must-have, never-skip-it essential. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must-have

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-have

Adjective

Maintaining essential services for 90 days Maintaining essential services for 90 days requires more than backup generators or stockpiled supplies.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
If Amendment 3 passes, money for those essential services will be cut by billions per year.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Noun

It's packed with moisture-loving glycerin, lathers well on washcloths (my preferred delivery method), and is fragrance-free, which is a must for my sensitive-leaning skin.

— Sheryl George, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026
What to Do Much of the park encompasses a flourishing redwood forest, so a hike through the trees is a must.

— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of must

Adjective

The father and son are accused of recycling patients through their facilities to continue billing insurance companies, regardless of whether treatment was medically necessary or actually provided.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
That means no seasoning necessary, rust resistance, and easy cleanup.

— Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Noun

The Spanish Navy and Navantia are working from operational requirements, and the final design must still go through procurement.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
American technology therefore qualified for the Commission’s own sovereign cloud requirements through a European operating structure.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

However, Brookfield disputed the claim and said no compensation is currently owed to BHV, and that any compensation was conditional on the premises being returned in the required condition.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
No specific guidelines were given – just the required proportions.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

Diesel is at an all-time high because of the war; every item in your grocery store was shipped there by truck and needed diesel.

— Serena Maria Daniels, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Communication breakdowns may leave patients unaware of available services, while a lack of referrals can keep them from receiving needed care.

— Marci Lee Nilsen, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of needed

Browse Nearby Words

musters out

must-have

must-haves

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Style

“Must-have.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must-have. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-have

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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