MUST Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

must 1 of 2

verb

məs(t)

Definition of must

as in to should

to be under necessity or obligation to we must be quiet during the performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

must

2 of 2

noun

ˈməst

as in requirement

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable exercise is a must if you want to stay healthy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 must

Verb

The block party is free, but people who want to attend must RSVP. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Dec. 2025

Noun

The restaurant’s signature dish, the Yucatan Shrimp, is a must-order. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026 Counsell views getting Palencia consistent work over the final five weeks as a must. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for must

Recent Examples of Synonyms for must

Verb

Firms with over 10 employees shall be required to consult their employees or trade unions when formulating their out-of-work policies.

— Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 26 Jan. 2023
At least until this latest lawsuit winds its way through the legal system, the foie gras wars shall continue.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2023

Definition of shall

Noun

Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
The military used to understand that troops’ well-being was central to their ability to perform—and that improving the quality of life for those in the armed forces was not just a nicety, but a necessity.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessity

Noun

Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of need

Noun

Corridors and the lobby are open-air, cleverly arranged to ventilate naturally with the wind, meaning no air-con necessary.

— Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2026
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia there were several such necessaries on the grounds.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025

Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

mussy

must

mustachioed

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Style

“Must.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/must. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of must

verb

noun

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