sine qua non

noun

ˌsi-ni-ˌkwä-ˈnän How to pronounce sine qua non (audio)
Definition of sine qua nonnext
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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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 sine qua non The image of Toyotas and Datsuns — soon rebranded as Nissans — went from quirky to sine qua non. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 The singing actors in opera do well to use that tool kit, too—but their sine qua non is the voice. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026 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 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
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. necessity
Noun
  • Visiting this elegant waterfront restaurant, participating in Spice for the first time, is a must.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • This seven-floor fashion amusement park has quickly established itself as a must-visit staple.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • There’s a new AI graduation requirement at Purdue University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, the models will gracefully absorb more complex requirements.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • Each has turned that necessity into an experience, a product category and a marketing language the C-suite can deploy far beyond sport.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Since the 1970s, the federal government has interpreted harm to include any actions that degrade a species’ habitat, given the necessity of habitat for a species’ survival.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of necessity

Browse Nearby Words

sincerity
sine qua non
sine qua nons
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Cite this Entry

“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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