MUST Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

must 1 of 2

verb

məs(t)

Definition of must

as in to should

to be under necessity or obligation to we must be quiet during the performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

The butter chicken chops are a must, of course, but so are the wagyu kheema naan, chicken tikka chaat, and the kali mirch beef kabab. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026 Complimentary, overnight shipping, hassle-free returns, and a $650-off deal turn this customer favorite into even more of a must. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must

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

Repeating that process places significant stress on components, increasing operational and capital costs due to the risk of failure, maintenance requirements and downtime.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
In some states, parents are winning time requirements on daily recess.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

Researchers said housing affordability is being made worse due to mounting economic pressures and the rising costs of everyday necessities.

— Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
Many of these frequent 911 users are unhoused people with physical health, mental health and substance use issues who lack access to care and frequent emergency rooms for treatment — or sometimes just basic necessities or shelter.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessity

Noun

Surely, The New York Times suggests in its review of the book, Green sees himself in Juniper’s need to be taken seriously as an adult.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
In a statement, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation acknowledged the need to improve regulation and ensure it is applied consistently in every county.

— Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 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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Style

“Must.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of must

verb

noun

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