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
-
Habitats with places to hide and a nearby water source are also a must.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Sacramento Bee,
11 Feb. 2025
-
To Ayesha Curry, clean, quality products and cultural representation are a must.—
Essence,
Essence,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Unlike hemp shops, licensed marijuana shops may sell only to adults 21 and over, must limit their window advertising, must meet expensive licensing and security requirements, and must test and label their products for potency and purity.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
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Until two weeks ago, DeSantis’ administration had not taken any action against an employer for violating E-Verify requirements.—
Lawrence Mower,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Minnesota already has close to $60 million in cap space for 2025, so this move is not a necessity.—
Dan Pompei,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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But Meyer, who’s very good in the part, feels like a real person who plots her schemes out of necessity.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 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 21 Feb. 2025.
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