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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.

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

“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

"I have got to say, out of possession Arsenal were excellent," Chris Sutton told 5 Live.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

He is due to restart on Saturday, adding: "The challenge cannot fail - we have got to get to Land's End."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“You have got to see what I found!”

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein