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

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

A good pair of shades are a must for them—from blocking out the sun on a beach in Ibiza to flashing lights in a Berlin basement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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

Watching them in away games was a must, for example.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He believed discipline and rules were a must for children, especially young boys—and especially those growing up in Birmingham, Alabama.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

a must

Example Sentences

Related Words