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
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Recent Examples of must
Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025
Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 20 Apr. 2026
With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading a dynamic offense, improving the defense was a must this offseason.
—CBS News, 19 Apr. 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
In spring, the 6/10-mile Bluebell Trail is a must-hike.
—Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 20 Apr. 2026
With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading a dynamic offense, improving the defense was a must this offseason.
—CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for must
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must
Noun
-
But somewhere along the line, other policy changes are likely to ripple outward, such as the easing of federal drug testing requirements.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The City Council unanimously approved the latest revision of those rules Tuesday, after council members earlier this month pressed city staff to add helmet requirements for all e-bike and e-scooter riders under 18-years-old.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 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
-
The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Today, instead of betting on a full-time job, more Gen Z graduates are looking to alternative paths to employment out of necessity.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The masterful move addressed the Rams’ most pressing need and gave them a Super Bowl-ready roster.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
On homelessness, Gersten supported the city’s current strategy, but raised pointed concerns about cost and scale, noting that Palomar Point’s per-unit price tag of more than $500,000 means such projects alone cannot meet the full need.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 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
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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 27 Apr. 2026.
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