Definitions

must

[muhst] / mʌst /

NOUN

necessity, essential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

precondition prerequisite requisite

STRONG

charge commitment committal condition devoir duty fundamental imperative must-have necessary need obligation requirement right

WEAK

ought sine qua non

VERB

ought, should

Synonyms

STRONG

have need

WEAK

be compelled be destined be directed be doomed be driven be made be necessitated be obliged be one's fate be ordered be required got to have got to have no choice have to must needs pushed to the wall

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The strait, he said, must "remain safe, open, accessible to all".

From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026

Belgium must now prepare for a goal-scorer it thought it wouldn’t see.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

Candidates receiving the funding must abide by expenditure limits and adhere to the criteria set by statute, ordinance or charter to demonstrate broad support, such as demonstrate a large number of small dollar contributions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

All players must leave the pitch, and fans must seek shelter away from their seats.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

Do not be afraid of the path we must walk, or be overwhelmed by it.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

must

Example Sentences

Related Words