sine qua non

noun

ˌsi-ni-ˌkwä-ˈnän How to pronounce sine qua non (audio)
Definition of sine qua nonnext
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable an extensive grounding in mathematics is a sine qua non for a career in architecture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 sine qua non The image of Toyotas and Datsuns — soon rebranded as Nissans — went from quirky to sine qua non. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 The singing actors in opera do well to use that tool kit, too—but their sine qua non is the voice. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026 While not denying the parallels between Muggle and magical technologies, Oakes’s conclusions depend on ignoring magical people’s complete dependence on a wand—the indisputable sine qua non of reliable spellwork. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 For those in Mnangagwa’s Lacoste faction, direct experience in the liberation war is a sine qua non for any successor candidate. — Philip Martin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2017 See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. necessity
Noun
  • The Dunbar Social by Topgolf Swing Suite is a must-visit, especially for families or sports fans.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Prioritize Automation That Frees Your Time Automating as many financial processes in your life and business is a must in 2026, freeing up your time and energy.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • The Democratic candidate for governor is proposing to allow cities and counties to temporarily suspend or eliminate local sales tax on groceries, baby formula, diapers, feminine hygiene products and other necessities.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His occasional free-agent splurges obscured an organizational myopia that left his team with scant investments in staffing, analytical advancements and technological necessities.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessity

Browse Nearby Words

sincerity
sine qua non
sine qua nons
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All