sine qua non

noun

ˌsi-ni-ˌkwä-ˈnän How to pronounce sine qua non (audio)
Definition of sine qua nonnext
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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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 The image of Toyotas and Datsuns — soon rebranded as Nissans — went from quirky to sine qua non. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 The singing actors in opera do well to use that tool kit, too—but their sine qua non is the voice. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. necessity
Noun
  • It's packed with moisture-loving glycerin, lathers well on washcloths (my preferred delivery method), and is fragrance-free, which is a must for my sensitive-leaning skin.
    — Sheryl George, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026
  • What to Do Much of the park encompasses a flourishing redwood forest, so a hike through the trees is a must.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of must
Noun
  • The Spanish Navy and Navantia are working from operational requirements, and the final design must still go through procurement.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • American technology therefore qualified for the Commission’s own sovereign cloud requirements through a European operating structure.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • With plenty of room for daily necessities, this bag earns its place in your regular rotation.
    — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Resilience allows organizations to make decisions from a position of strength rather than necessity.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of necessity

Browse Nearby Words

sincerity
sine qua non
sine qua nons
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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 29 Oct. 2026.

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