as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
an extensive grounding in mathematics is a sine qua non for a career in architecture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sine qua non
Possessing ethical values is a sine qua non for any political leader, regardless of political affiliation.
—
Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 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
Both machines must be designed for ridiculously demanding environments—the sine qua non is ultrafast and ultra-accurate logging and triage of billions of events per second in a typhoon of radiation under magnetic fields otherwise found only in MRI machines.
—Douglas McCormick, IEEE Spectrum, 18 Sep. 2012
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 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
Both machines must be designed for ridiculously demanding environments—the sine qua non is ultrafast and ultra-accurate logging and triage of billions of events per second in a typhoon of radiation under magnetic fields otherwise found only in MRI machines.
—Douglas McCormick, IEEE Spectrum, 18 Sep. 2012
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
-
However, the tacos at Carnicería Estrella—an equally aesthetic spot that’s all white tiles and red details and can also be found in CDMX—are just as delicious, while Tacos Primo in El Centro is an absolute must.—
Lauren Cocking,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Of course, there's the classic cobra pose (a must in snake yoga).—
Deena Prichep,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The suit, filed in Sacramento federal court, argues California’s requirement that all new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035 improperly regulates fuel economy — an area the administration says falls under the authority of the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Trump signed into law the first reconciliation bill passed by this Congress last year, extending his tax cuts, funding immigration enforcement, and strengthening work requirements for certain federal social welfare programs.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For profit hospital systems with significant footprints in Florida have been accused of prioritizing revenue generating admissions over patient necessity.—
Linda D. Gadd,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
-
That’s not necessarily a prime necessity for a quarterback.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
