as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
an extensive grounding in mathematics is a sine qua non for a career in architecture
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Recent Examples of sine qua non
The region is hardly unified behind Trump: Israel’s own government rejects any reference to Palestinian self-determination, a sine qua non for peace, while Russia and China abstained and advanced rival Security Council proposals.
—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
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
Possessing ethical values is a sine qua non for any political leader, regardless of political affiliation.
—
Tom Jurkowsky,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2025
In fact, there is absolutely no reason, sociologic or economic, for the claim that an energetic, powerful battery is the sine qua non of commercial electric automobility.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
29 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
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
Possessing ethical values is a sine qua non for any political leader, regardless of political affiliation.
—
Tom Jurkowsky,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2025
In fact, there is absolutely no reason, sociologic or economic, for the claim that an energetic, powerful battery is the sine qua non of commercial electric automobility.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
29 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
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Large drainage holes, however, are a must.
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One exception is modern glass houses, which maximize views and are a must for all oceanfront builds, old or new.
Noun
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That means the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which is the local enforcement agency for these requirements in the region, will be in charge of monitoring whether businesses are following the law.
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Since then, the mussels have spread through California waterways, prompting mandatory boat inspections and decontamination requirements at lakes and reservoirs statewide.
Noun
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In the next few days, Raikes said IRC teams will focus on getting basic necessities like food, water and shelter to those who need it, and to deliver medical supplies to health services.
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In order to keep the necessities, like Bear Valley Community Hospital, online, BVES shut power off to businesses and homes starting Friday morning for several hours.
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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