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
-
However, taking responsibility is a must to properly protect a claim.—
Will Jones,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
And of course, a roomy beach bag that can hold your essentials in style is simply a must.—
Natalie Hammond,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Now, the one-year grace period for the act’s mandatory registration requirements has ended, meaning agencies must be registered as model management companies or groups with the New York Department of Labor (NYDL) to better enable models to discern legitimate representation.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
19 June 2026
-
The White House promoted the work requirements along with a reduction in immigrant participants.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Recent evidence suggests more retirees are working out of necessity.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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In response, the store decided to move its operations elsewhere and began to focus on raising money for necessities.—
Ray Campos,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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