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
-
The Parker House rolls are a must, as is the corn agnolotti made with blue crab, saffron, and brown butter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Lunch at the Peller Estates winery, producer of the best wine in Canada, is a must.—
Kalpana Fitzpatrick,
TheWeek,
15 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
-
My friends, being my friends, invariably champion the necessity of objects piling up in my yard.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Eyewear has evolved from a medical necessity to a fashion accessory that can give any outfit the right finishing touch, day or night.—
Advertorial,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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