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

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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
  • Both also pride themselves in downfield blocking, a must for a team coached by a former receivers coach.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • For Olivia Allen, the second rotation of Ana Viktoria Dzinic’s solo at Nicoletti in Shoreditch—which coincides with a solo booth over at Frieze London—is a must.
    — Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of must
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

Browse Nearby Words

sincerity
sine qua non
sine qua nons
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Cite this Entry

“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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