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.

He said he has heard from patients who feel outside pressure to opt for surgery, which is something the medical community presents as an option rather than a must.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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

a must

Example Sentences

Related Words