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
For those in Mnangagwa’s Lacoste faction, direct experience in the liberation war is a sine qua non for any successor candidate.
—Philip Martin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2017
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
For those in Mnangagwa’s Lacoste faction, direct experience in the liberation war is a sine qua non for any successor candidate.
—Philip Martin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2017
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
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America’s dealings with other nations across the globe have been imperiled by the threat of tariffs, and keeping this commitment to cooperation on the table is a must in the current trade environment.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Many older, smaller office buildings are perfect candidates for conversions, as their small floorplates allow most interior spaces access to windows and natural light, a must for downtown apartments and condos.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Additional procedural and administrative changes to filing requirements, terminology and other matters may also impact associations in meaningful ways.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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The half dozen people who spoke to the Herald-Leader and ProPublica said the company sometimes billed when a gathering did not meet the requirements of a meeting, such as when clients watched movies unrelated to recovery or had informal discussions while traveling in ARC vans.—
Alex Acquisto,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Jabran Sarfraz, a prominent economist in Karachi, said the immediate burden would fall on consumers, warning that higher fuel prices would raise the cost of daily necessities and disproportionately affect lower-income groups.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure without clear militarily necessity is considered a violation of international law.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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