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

Today, Fifi’s has maintained its legacy as a must-visit shop located in the heart of the French Quarter. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 As always, installing updates in a timely manner is also a must. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 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

Maxwell also highlighted that the aircraft is being designed around the practical requirements of cargo and logistics operators.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Its ability to clean floors, walls, waterlines and slopes gives it versatility across different cleaning requirements, while the dual filtration system and large debris basket support longer cleaning sessions.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

Tariffs have helped to drive the price of household necessities higher this year, while the rise in diesel prices has made trucking more expensive.

— Alexandra Meier, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026
Differences in economic opportunity, access to necessities such as healthy food and internet access, and exposure to media and popular culture can also shape health behaviors, with downstream effects on mortality.

— Brandon Yan, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of necessity

Noun

The Moon in your sign opposes Saturn, bringing your needs into contact with another person’s conditions.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Even some Democrats who had endorsed more progressive policies in the past were urging the party to focus on economic needs first, and convince the voters who broke from the GOP this year that the party deserved a long-term mandate.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of must

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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