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 This consensus mechanism is a sine qua non for verifying transactions without relying on a central authority. — Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
  1. must
  2. requirement
  3. necessity
Noun
  • When in Venice, cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) are a must.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • For those looking to explore further, the 1.75-mile round-trip Chimney Rock Trail is a must.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of must
Noun
  • Regulatory compliance is also managed through specialized software that tracks changing requirements and automates reporting processes.
    — Serge Beck, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Rideshare company representatives told city councilors during a hearing last month that the ordinance was too stringent and that making companies get umbrella liability insurance for their workers exceeds the state's requirements.
    — Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • This isn't the Top Chef of yore, where tweezers and microgreens were a necessity.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • But before that conversion can be added to the list of Republican attitude adjustments, there is one necessity: the tariffs have to work.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of necessity

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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 23 Mar. 2025.

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