must 1 of 2

verb

məs(t)
Definition of mustnext
as in to should
to be under necessity or obligation to we must be quiet during the performance

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must

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst How to pronounce must (audio)
as in requirement
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable exercise is a must if you want to stay healthy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of must
Verb
The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
The breakfast buffet is a must to gain the energy to hike the trails through drenching spray later. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Hot apple cider and fresh cider doughnuts are fall musts, and this cider mill has both of them. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must
  1. shall
  2. requirement
  3. necessity
  4. need
  5. necessary
Verb
  • Firms with over 10 employees shall be required to consult their employees or trade unions when formulating their out-of-work policies.
    — Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 26 Jan. 2023
  • At least until this latest lawsuit winds its way through the legal system, the foie gras wars shall continue.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2023
Definition of shall
Noun
  • However, the bill would also preempt certain state requirements covering public risk disclosures, independent evaluations, and critical incident reporting.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The legislation enacts new work requirements and greater vetting for Medicaid, the low-income program that thousands of Alaskans depend on for healthcare.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • Our neighbors still face high costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, groceries, and other necessities.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to a new Guardian poll, 95 percent of Americans think that the United States is in the midst of an affordability crisis with many reporting trouble affording necessities like gas and groceries.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of necessity
Noun
  • The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town pulled into Europe’s shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine’s frontlines collides with enduring ties to Russia, personal convictions, and the everyday need to survive.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The company recently introduced four-finger hands for Atlas, underscoring the need to design robotic hardware around practical requirements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • Corridors and the lobby are open-air, cleverly arranged to ventilate naturally with the wind, meaning no air-con necessary.
    — Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2026
  • At George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia there were several such necessaries on the grounds.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

mussy
must
mustachioed
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Cite this Entry

“Must.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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