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 Keep scrolling for more travel food must-haves, like a collapsible water bottle, mini snack containers, and more. — Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 With many of these sales ending in just a few days, now’s the time to shop warm-weather must-haves, travel-ready pieces, and everyday staples before the savings come to an end. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 17 July 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must-haves

Noun

Once necessities in places like Thailand and Myanmar, floating markets are now mostly tourist attractions.

— Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Across the country, colleges and universities are experiencing declining enrollment rates while students simultaneously face increasing costs for basic necessities like housing and food.

— Kyle Brody, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of necessities

Noun

North Richland Hills council members unanimously voted to amend zoning requirements for data centers that want to locate in the city.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will move to propose measures related to waiving Boston Police Department residency requirements and allowing retired officers to take shifts as the department faces ongoing staffing challenges.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 27 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of must-haves

noun

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