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.

However, he warned that any new attempt must avoid repeating the errors that led to the court challenge.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end,” India’s foreign ministry said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The no-frills airline requires at least one parent to sit with children aged two to 11 during a flight, but that means they must pay for what it calls a "mandatory family seat".

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Combined with valuations of AI-related stocks expanding to post-ChatGPT-launch highs, this is a recipe for volatility in the sector, and investors must brace themselves for it.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

“You must be wondering what this is about,” she says, unzipping her case.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

must

Example Sentences

Related Words