Definitions

must

[muhst] / mʌst /

NOUN

necessity, essential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

precondition prerequisite requisite

STRONG

charge commitment committal condition devoir duty fundamental imperative must-have necessary need obligation requirement right

WEAK

ought sine qua non

VERB

ought, should

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 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.

Only 23 slots are available in round three, so the EFL must lose a tie - or two teams - via preliminary round fixtures.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

The original volume of oil taken, plus additional barrels, must be returned to the reserve.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

In order to be counted, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before election day, June 2, and received by your county elections office by June 9.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

The performer said the Patagonia trademark lawsuit amounted to its CEO Ryan Gellert and other executives deciding that "I must cease to exist".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

We were pointing to the cloudless sky and ducking, saying it must have been a lightning bolt, and were we the only ones to hear that clap of thunder?

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

must

Example Sentences

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