Synonyms of must

must 1 of 2

verb

məs(t)

as in to should

to be under necessity or obligation to

we must be quiet during the performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• should
• shall
• will
• have (to)
• need
• ought (to)

must

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst 

as in requirement

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

exercise is a must if you want to stay healthy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requirement
• necessity
• need
• necessary
• essential
• needful
• must-have
• demand
• requisite
• condition
• sine qua non
• prerequisite
• wish
• advantage
• precondition
• plus
• desideratum
• edge
• desideration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• surplus
• extra
• comfort
• luxury
• indulgence
• nonnecessity
• nonessential
• extravagance
• surplusage
• frill
• superfluity
• amenity

Example Sentences

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

Closed-toe shoes are a must to keep the shorts from skewing too casual—heels preferred, though ballet flats will work for a slightly more casual office. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026

In Athens, a walk around the Varvakios central market is a must; Hyper Hypo is a cool art and design bookshop worth the visit, whose zines line Ace’s walls. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026