20 Synonyms for “Nice-to-Have”

The phrase “nice-to-have” refers to features or items that are desirable but not essential.

Here are 20 synonyms for “nice-to-have,” each with an example sentence and an explanation, to help you describe non-critical yet beneficial attributes or elements in various contexts.

Synonyms for Desirable, Non-Essential Qualities:

1. “Advantageous”
   • Example: “An in-house gym is advantageous for employee wellness, though not a necessity.”
   • Explanation: Suggests that while it provides a benefit, it’s not imperative to have.
2. “Luxury”
   • Example: “A heated pool is a luxury in a home, rather than a must-have.”
   • Explanation: Indicates that it’s an indulgent feature, adding comfort or pleasure beyond basic needs.
3. “Fringe Benefit”
   • Example: “Telecommuting options are a fringe benefit in many modern workplaces.”
   • Explanation: Describes an additional perk offered alongside primary benefits or features.
4. “Desirable”
   • Example: “The position comes with several desirable perks, like conference allowances.”
   • Explanation: Conveys that the additional features are appealing and positive, though not strictly required.
5. “Complementary”
   • Example: “Smartphone compatibility is a complementary feature in today’s vehicles.”
   • Explanation: Refers to something that enhances or adds to the overall value or function without being essential.

Terms for Beneficial Extras:

6. “Bonus”
   • Example: “The rooftop garden was a bonus when choosing the apartment.”
   • Explanation: Identifies a feature thought to be extra or supplemental in a positive way.
7. “Perk”
   • Example: “Free lunch on Fridays is a perk, not a core part of the compensation package.”
   • Explanation: Denotes an added advantage or benefit not central to the main offer or purpose.
8. “Supplementary”
   • Example: “Heart rate monitoring is a supplementary feature of the fitness app.”
   • Explanation: Adds to or completes something else, but isn’t fundamental for its operation.
9. “Value-Added”
   • Example: “Our value-added services include 24/7 customer support.”
   • Explanation: Something that enhances the product beyond core functionalities, commonly used in a business context.
10. “Useful Addition”
    • Example: “Cloud backup is a useful addition to the software package for data protection.”
    • Explanation: Suggests a feature or component that is handy or profitable to have as part of a larger whole.

Phrases for Added Comfort:

11. “Sought-After”
    • Example: “Sought-after amenities such as a gym are increasingly common in new apartment complexes.”
    • Explanation: Defines something many people would like to have, though it’s not essential.
12. “Convenient”
    • Example: “In-car navigation is convenient but not a prerequisite for driving.”
    • Explanation: Good to have for ease and comfort, though one can do without it.
13. “Optional Extra”
    • Example: “Leather seating is an optional extra in this car model.”
    • Explanation: A non-standard feature that can be selected or added if desired.
14. “Pleasant Addition”
    • Example: “The sunroom is a pleasant addition to our home, especially in the winter months.”
    • Explanation: An extra that provides enjoyment and pleasure.
15. “An Added Plus”
    • Example: “The hotel’s proximity to downtown is an added plus, though our main concern is budget.”
    • Explanation: An extra benefit or positive aspect on top of what is already considered.

Descriptions for Nice Qualities:

16. “Comfort Feature”
    • Example: “The car’s heated seats are a comfort feature during the winter.”
    • Explanation: A feature provided to increase comfort but isn’t an essential element of the product.
17. “Extra Touch”
    • Example: “The complimentary breakfast was an extra touch that we appreciated at the bed and breakfast.”
    • Explanation: Something additional that improves the overall experience.
18. “Add-On”
    • Example: “Streaming services are an add-on for our cable customers.”
    • Explanation: Additional content or service that can be included at the customer’s option.
19. “Enhancement”
    • Example: “The phone’s waterproof capability is an enhancement for outdoor enthusiasts.”
    • Explanation: Refers to an improvement that better equips or embellishes the base model or service.
20. “Well-Received Extra”
    • Example: “The in-room espresso machine was a well-received extra by all our guests.”
    • Explanation: An additional provision that is especially welcomed by users or recipients.

Using these synonyms for “nice-to-have” provides you with a variety of terms to describe something attractive or beneficial that isn’t crucial.

The context in which these terms are applied can range from consumer products and job benefits to personal qualities and relationship traits, offering flexibility in how you express the desirability and usefulness of an add-on.