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 Below, shop our eight Quince must-haves, including holy grail designs in breezy linen, washable silk, and Italian leather. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 6 July 2026 Ahead, interior designers break down the must-haves that make a mudroom the organizational workhorse of the home. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026 The Tilly has plenty of room for essentials like a wallet, water bottle, sunglasses, and makeup, along with tech must-haves, including a smartphone, tablet, and up to a 15-inch laptop. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 Its structured design can also easily hold a toiletry bag, extra pair of shoes, laptop, and other travel must-haves. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 Other must-haves that should be on your radar? — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 From diapers and wipes to car seats, toys, feeding gear and back-to-school must-haves, Amazon's biggest sale of the year includes discounts on products families use every day. — ABC News, 20 June 2026 Ahead, designers share their favorite covered porch ideas, including décor must-haves, weather-proof materials, and more. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-haves

Noun

During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people rushed to stock up on necessities, such as toilet paper, hoarders already had extras while others searched empty store shelves.

— Shivali H. Patra, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Joy Curtis said the midtown area doesn’t have enough big box grocery stores, requiring residents to travel just to shop at Target or Walmart for necessities.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Definition of necessities

Noun

News to know now The Supreme Court said Texas can enforce age verification and parental consent requirements for most apps while those rules are being challenged as a free-speech violation.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Threatening to limit mail-in voting, adding ridiculous ID requirements, or staging thugs at polling places are other possible ways to convince you to stay home.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026

Definition of requirements

Noun

Tasked with designing the FIFA KC Fan Fest site for the World Cup, Kansas City sports architecture firm Populous checked the boxes of musts to be included for the site at the World War I Museum.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Tex-Mex and barbecue are musts, and the options are plentiful.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026

Definition of musts

Browse Nearby Words

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-haves

noun

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