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
-
What do to nearby A visit to Saint-Tropez is an absolute must.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
The perforated design adds breathability (a must in peak summer heat) and gives a little texture to an otherwise classic black pair.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Nevertheless, the lawsuit said Bayfront Park Management Trust lacked a proper accounting system and didn’t have requirements for expenses to be supported by a contract or invoice policy, nor a policy or procedure to ensure vendors were selected through a competitive bidding process.—
Tess Riski
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
-
The state also does not have a minimum age requirement to possess a firearm, a law that gun control advocates have criticized for allowing minors to carry guns.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Baby2Baby is a national nonprofit based in California that provides clothing and other basic necessities to children.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
International humanitarian law mandates the principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity, but the opaqueness of drone operations, particularly outside active battlefields, challenges these principles.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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