Synonyms for

Must

Verb / mʌst / Another word for must — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that is necessary or required to be done.

Synonyms & similar words

mustiness moldiness should

Synonyms by register

Formal

required obligatory essential imperative

Informal

gotta have to need to

Literary

shall ought to

Antonyms

optional unnecessary unrequired unneeded unobligatory

Common collocations

  • must be
  • must have
  • must do
  • must see
  • must go
  • must not
  • must admit

Word family

verb must

Usage note

As a modal verb, 'must' expresses strong obligation or certainty. It does not take an '-s' in the third person singular present tense (e.g., 'he must', not 'he musts').

Example sentences

  1. I must brush my teeth before bed.
  2. You must wear your seatbelt in the car.
  3. She must study for her test tomorrow.
  4. He must clean his room before he can go outside.
  5. We must be on time for the meeting.

Quotes

  • We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. - Joseph Campbell
  • We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. - E. M. Forster
  • We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment. - Jim Rohn

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