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Definitions

have got to

VERB
must
Synonyms
STRONG
have need
WEAK
be compelled be destined be directed be doomed be driven be made be necessitated be obliged be one's fate be ordered be required got to have no choice have to must needs pushed to the wall

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.

“The shareholders’ charge to Greg should be you have got to have a willingness to go put $300 billion to work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

In the race for leadership of the city, even Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman say things have got to change, which isn’t necessarily the best commentary on their stewardship.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

They’ve spent gobs of money building a two-time defending champion, and those bucks have got to come from somewhere.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

City are out of the Champions League now but I have got to say I thought they were brilliant on Tuesday against Real Madrid, before and after they went down to 10 men.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

“You have got to be kidding, honey,” the woman said into the phone.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata