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 for achieving this objective is assurances from Iran about its regional power projection, such as a commitment to not support nonstate actors financially or militarily on the Arabian Peninsula.
—
Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2023
Goleman underscored its importance, noting that while IQ and technical skills are crucial, emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
For those actors who consider crying to be the sine qua non of their art, a sorrowful biography offers a distinct advantage in the Method acting sweepstakes.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2024
And yet, Papà said, the Congolese were the essential ingredient, the sine qua non, of arguably the most consequential creation in modern history.
—Ngofeen Mputubwele, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for sine qua non 
Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2023
Goleman underscored its importance, noting that while IQ and technical skills are crucial, emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
For those actors who consider crying to be the sine qua non of their art, a sorrowful biography offers a distinct advantage in the Method acting sweepstakes.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2024
And yet, Papà said, the Congolese were the essential ingredient, the sine qua non, of arguably the most consequential creation in modern history.
—Ngofeen Mputubwele, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
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As with any Southern farmhouse, outdoor living is a must.—
Cece Lesesne,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
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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
Noun
-
Of course, there’s a catch: On top of a little less legroom, most budget airlines tout expensive checked baggage fees if your carry-on exceeds their requirements.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2025
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In the fall of 2023, facing declining recruitment, the village relaxed its residency requirements for firefighters.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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It was deemed a necessity by the former administration after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
5 Feb. 2025
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Despite the numbers, some players and coaches questioned the necessity of headgear.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Feb. 2025
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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 13 Feb. 2025.
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