məs(t)
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
Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026
This winery is a must for anyone who appreciates red Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
—Taryn White, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for must
Verb
The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
Summer Travel and Visitor Safety Jacksonville often hosts visiting friends and relatives during the summer months, making summer safety practices a must.
—Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026
This winery is a must for anyone who appreciates red Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
—Taryn White, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for must
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must
Noun
-
Failed units must be remediated or tenants relocated within 30 days, as well as the establishment of a complaint hotline for 24/7 reporting and the requirement of a landlord response within five business days.—
JAMES HERRERA MONTEREY HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But under the bill, land-use changes outside the Urban Development Boundary would require a simple majority vote, which is the current requirement for changes inside the boundary.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
My answer is: That leader shall stick with their principles.—
Alla Adam,
Forbes,
27 Jan. 2023
-
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
Noun
-
In the last century, scientists have found bountiful evidence of complexity and engineering in living systems that seems highly unlikely to have emerged from a world of evolved necessity.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Two out of 3 Americans surveyed, 66%, are worried about paying for health care — more than other household necessities such as utilities, food and groceries, housing and rent, and gasoline and transportation, according to a poll published Thursday by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The vehicles can also be built to be recoverable in support of ever-changing mission needs.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
-
And, though able to navigate a great deal of the daily routine, Anna has gaps that will widen as her parents’ needs become more demanding.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To avoid the hassle of scrounging in the cargo hold to access their necessaries and furry companions, when in the rearmost position, special storage bins for hand luggage or pet carriers (all of these accessories presumably Bentley branded) emerge from the floor.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Must.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
