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
Audits, clear policies, and transparency are also a must for AI hiring tools, according to Pagidi. — IEEE Spectrum, 13 July 2026 As more shoppers choose premade items over dining out or making a meal from scratch, according to a report by FMI, the Food Industry Association, Berkeley Bowl's hot bar is a must, featuring sushi, salads, sandwiches and more. — Roseann Cattani, USA Today, 10 July 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
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether legal requirements are met, and the brothers have the option to mount legal challenges.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • That means ensuring ballot questions are accurately summarized, comply with applicable legal standards, and satisfy constitutional requirements before they are certified.
    — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • In prison, workers earn as little as pennies a day, and much of those earnings go toward purchasing necessities like postage and hygiene supplies at canteens, where prices have risen along with inflation.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • On their face, retail apps are for shopping, places for consumers to buy clothes, household necessities or makeup.
    — Gabrielle Fonrouge,Scott Zamost,Anna Gleason, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Definition of necessity
Noun
  • Being the venue everyone needs did not buy safety, and the American umbrella arrived after the fact rather than before it.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Growing need, few resources Women’s incarceration rates have grown at twice the pace of men’s in recent decades.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on must

Nglish: Translation of must for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about must

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