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Definitions

a must

ADJECTIVE
de rigueur
Synonyms
STRONGEST
mandatory necessary obligatory required
STRONG
called-for comme il faut conventional correct decorous done fitting meet proper right
WEAK
conforming to accepted standards
Antonyms
STRONG
gauche ill-advised improper inappropriate malapropos not done unacceptable unconventional unnecessary unseemly
NOUN
constraint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pressure restraint
STRONG
coercion compulsion driving duress goad hang-up impulsion monkey on one's back motive necessity repression spring spur suppression violence
WEAK
impelling no-no
Antonyms
STRONG
deterrent discouragement freedom hindrance liberty
WEAK
aggression allowance permission

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.

For the companies that are hiring for those skills, AI fluency is a must.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

For me, integrity is paramount and asking questions up-front is a must.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

He said the club had become "a must do thing to do" for tourists interested in golf.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Nikki Beauchamp, a real-estate broker based in New York City who travels regularly for work and pleasure, says checking a bag is a must for her in many instances.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

When I’m in town, I invariably sit talking by the hour with my old friend Yama, the God of Death, and a private phone’s a must for our little chats.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger