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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.

Days later, Chinese authorities announced a review of the deal in January, saying that cross-border acquisitions and the export of technology must comply with the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Speaking at a pre-inquest review into his death, Sheffield's senior coroner Tanyka Rawden said the player's death "must have been horrific" for his family.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Then, in late 2025, a Delaware Supreme Court judge ruled that the pay package must be reinstated.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

The decisions reached in arbitration are often secret, and arbitrators are not usually required to write the sorts of publicly available opinions justifying the reasons for their decisions in the way that courts must.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

Everyone must be here to see the band.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith