məs(t)
as in requirement
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
exercise is a must if you want to stay healthy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of must
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
If chocolates are a must, seek out unique flavors and ingredients that set yours apart from the usual.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
As with any Southern farmhouse, outdoor living is a must.
—Cece Lesesne, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
But in sophisticated civilian industries such as the energy sector, automobiles, and aircraft – where commercial viability is a must – substituting vital Western imports and expertise has proved slow, and bottlenecks have formed that may last for years.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for must 
Noun
Stamina is your biggest limiting factor in combat, so having as much as possible and being able to recover it quickly is a must.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
If chocolates are a must, seek out unique flavors and ingredients that set yours apart from the usual.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
As with any Southern farmhouse, outdoor living is a must.
—Cece Lesesne, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
But in sophisticated civilian industries such as the energy sector, automobiles, and aircraft – where commercial viability is a must – substituting vital Western imports and expertise has proved slow, and bottlenecks have formed that may last for years.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for must
Recent Examples of Synonyms for must
Noun
-
Until two weeks ago, DeSantis’ administration had not taken any action against an employer for violating E-Verify requirements.—
Lawrence Mower,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The Environmental Protection Agency has clearly failed to enforce Federal Clean Water Act requirements and force reluctant Chesapeake Bay states to meet their obligations to reduce pollutants where agricultural nutrients and sediment are concerned.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
My answer is: That leader shall stick with their principles.—
Alla Adam,
Forbes,
27 Jan. 2023
-
Firms with over 10 employees shall be required to consult their employees or trade unions when formulating their out-of-work policies.—
Faustine Ngila,
Quartz,
26 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
Minnesota already has close to $60 million in cap space for 2025, so this move is not a necessity.—
Dan Pompei,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
-
But Meyer, who’s very good in the part, feels like a real person who plots her schemes out of necessity.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
News Jewish Family Service said new Trump administration policies have curbed migrant arrivals but have also highlighted the need for pro bono immigration legal services.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
In most cases, the use of corticosteroids can help eliminate the need for systemic treatment.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Blakely has been charged with capital murder, while Washington is charged with child deprivation of necessaries with substantial harm.—
Warren Kulo | wkulo@al.com,
al,
19 Apr. 2023
-
Tramontana trotted downstairs, grabbed the necessaries and made the carbonara — but the experience lingered.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
orlandosentinel.com,
11 Oct. 2019
Thesaurus Entries Near must
Cite this Entry
“Must.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share