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.

A council must apologise "profusely" over a failed crackdown on second homes which cost taxpayers £465k, a councillor has said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

"So they must face the consequences of the wrongdoing they committed."

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Not all money managers are fiduciaries who must act in their client’s best interest under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The truth is that the ADA’s action only validated the editorial’s exhortation to scientists to speak out forcefully: “We can no longer afford complacency and fear. We must all act now!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

“Oh man! They must still be at the drive-in. I’m sorry.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

must

Example Sentences

Related Words