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

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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

Fresh paint was a must, and putting in a kitchen window for the mental health of their employees was non-negotiable. — Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 Comfortable shoes are also a must, as the sightseeing around Europe is second to none. — Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 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

States are also setting up systems that may not adequately track pregnant and postpartum enrollees who should be exempt from the law’s new work requirements, erroneously dropping them from coverage, Burak’s report said.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
There is a new effort to increase the minimum wage and training requirements for security guards in California ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

— Steve Large, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

Finding a solution for this problem position remains a necessity.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
In an attempt to combat the limited water supply, the Puerto Rican government is turning off residents’ access to the necessity on a rotating 48-hour basis.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessity

Noun

The Ravens, however, have consistently supported Loop and downplayed the need to bring in another kicker.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of must

verb

noun

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