as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
an extensive grounding in mathematics is a sine qua non for a career in architecture
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Recent Examples of sine qua non
The sine qua non of any business is to generate profits.
—
Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
While not denying the parallels between Muggle and magical technologies, Oakes’s conclusions depend on ignoring magical people’s complete dependence on a wand—the indisputable sine qua non of reliable spellwork.
—Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Possessing ethical values is a sine qua non for any political leader, regardless of political affiliation.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
In fact, there is absolutely no reason, sociologic or economic, for the claim that an energetic, powerful battery is the sine qua non of commercial electric automobility.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
While not denying the parallels between Muggle and magical technologies, Oakes’s conclusions depend on ignoring magical people’s complete dependence on a wand—the indisputable sine qua non of reliable spellwork.
—Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Possessing ethical values is a sine qua non for any political leader, regardless of political affiliation.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
In fact, there is absolutely no reason, sociologic or economic, for the claim that an energetic, powerful battery is the sine qua non of commercial electric automobility.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
-
For breakfast, the Mai Tai flapjacks, served with Kula rum butter syrup, honey passionfruit foam, and island pineapple, are a must-order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Replacing the filter is a must.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Under Florida law, any attorney in good standing is eligible to serve as a guardian ad litem in family court without any further requirements.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
-
Charles Schwab Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Baraka, Shange, and Harryman taken together can articulate distinct and convergent approaches to multivocal necessity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
Folks can’t afford their basic necessities like groceries, utilities or gas for their cars.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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