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.

"So they must face the consequences of the wrongdoing they committed."

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Combined with valuations of AI-related stocks expanding to post-ChatGPT-launch highs, this is a recipe for volatility in the sector, and investors must brace themselves for it.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The truth is that the ADA’s action only validated the editorial’s exhortation to scientists to speak out forcefully: “We can no longer afford complacency and fear. We must all act now!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

They say, ‘Why would he mention Hannibal Lecter? He must be cognitively in trouble.’

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

“Have you seen an eighty-four-year-old man—white hair, a long beard? Casper ten Boom! You must have taken medicine to him!”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

must

Example Sentences

Related Words