Definitions

must

[muhst] / mʌst /

Part of Speech:

All (2) Noun (1) Verb (1)

Jump To:

necessity, essential n.
ought, should v.

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.

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must

It is in moments like this that Carrick, who presents such a calm front in public, must be churning inside.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Tungsten is attractive because fusion reactors must withstand conditions involving plasma temperatures greater than those found at the center of the sun.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

To receive trip requests, they must be “online” with the ride-share app.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026

I think people assume that the guy who created “The Twilight Zone” and was this really creepy, ominous host must have been this very dark and tormented person.

From Salon ● Oct. 10, 2026

In 1850, when Phineas comes to Boston, Dr. Harlow feels he must keep the details of his patient's personality problems confidential, but he does tell some of the truth to Dr. Nelson Sizer.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

must

Example Sentences

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