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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.

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

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

"The protection of the civilians is a must for all the parties in conflict, and both the parties in conflict need to respect international humanitarian law."

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Prestigious programs aren’t a must, college counselors say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Hasuno – Sushi is a must anywhere we travel, and Hasuno came highly recommended.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 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