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
The sine qua non of any business is to generate profits.
—
Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
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
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
Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
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
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 humidity will go up big time from the morning to the evening, from humid to muggy, so shorts are a must, along with having the umbrella handy just in case.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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While shutting down airspace isn’t really an option, despite how many times Cowie admits he’s tried to do for his high-end clients, coordinating with local police departments is a must.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Providers must also cover rent or mortgage payments, insurance, food, utilities, supplies, maintenance and regulatory requirements.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
The interim final rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services means being sick with extreme exhaustion and memory challenges related to her treatments may not be enough for Brandon to evade the new work requirements.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Nearly a year ago, Estrella was found wandering alone on the streets of Denver without access to necessities, including fresh water.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Councilmember Jordan Botta, who sponsored the bill, said the legislation was driven by years of hearing from tenants living without basic necessities like gas, water or reliable air conditioning.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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