sine qua non

[sahy-nee kwey non, kwah, sin-ey, si-ne kwah-nohn] / ˈsaɪ ni kweɪ ˈnɒn, kwɑ, ˈsɪn eɪ, ˈsɪ nɛ kwɑˈnoʊn /

NOUN

condition

Synonyms

WEAK

arrangement article catch codicil contingency demand essential exception exemption fine print kicker modification must must-have necessity need postulate precondition prerequisite provision proviso qualification requirement requisite reservation rule small print stipulation strings terms

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.

This is the sine qua non of self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

The Mary Chain’s albums “Psychocandy,” “Darklands” and “Automatic” became the sine qua non of the 1980s alternative rock movement and carried the band well into the ’90s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2024

“Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” is the gem of a sequel to that Oscar-nominated film, centering the story this time around on music as the sine qua non of community.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2023

And in gourmet circles, nettles are the sine qua non of spring greens.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2023

It was as though he knew very well that in Lombard's past actions legality had not always been a sine qua non....

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

sine qua non

Example Sentences

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