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
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
At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 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
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
At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 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
-
Back in Blighty, the nearby city of Chichester is also a must-visit, with its Roman and Anglo-Saxon remnants, great shopping facilities, and its historic cathedral in the centre.—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Chanhassen certainly doesn’t jump to mind as a must-visit city, even among Minnesotans.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Under the bill, Human Services would be tasked with developing rules around everything from training and background checks to treatment plans, staffing ratios, reporting requirements, and building safety.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
However, the bill to remove some vaccine requirements that appeared in this year’s legislative session failed to advance.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This includes the psychological impact of months of trauma caused by killings, displacement, and a lack of access to basic necessities.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Musk appears to be boosting an enhanced version of a stance called Universal Basic Income, which calls for a government to provide citizens with enough cash to pay for necessities like rent, food, health and education, with no strings attached.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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