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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 Downtown shopping is a must, Southern Living says, with a local bookstore and village shop. — Eva Flowe august 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 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
  • This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Any player in the Italian top flight who has a heart condition or has undergone related surgery must pass Serie A’s sporting fitness requirements before returning to play.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 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
Noun
  • At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The tragedy immediately cast doubt on the need for light-hearted reality shows, much less one built around international travel.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on must

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about must

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