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.

Going anywhere near water with children means UV protective swimwear is a must.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Reservations are a must for Australia games and Kiwi fans are welcome to make the bar their own, too.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

There are rigid rules and nuances when it comes to using a QCD, however, so attention to detail is a must.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 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