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
Frequency Becomes Unstable Frequency is the sine qua non of all electrical systems, from microgrids to the national grid.
—
Llewellyn King, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Llewellyn King, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for sine qua non
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sine qua non
Noun
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Plus, opting for styles in breezy linen is an absolute must for summer’s hotter weather.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
29 May 2025
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But Tyler, the Creator believes delusion is a must for artists and creatives across the board.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
29 May 2025
Noun
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During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
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The requirement to check in 60 minutes before an international flight remains unchanged.—
Dennis Green,
AFAR Media,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Signings of this kind were a regular feature of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, at a time when punishing interest payments relating to the Emirates Stadium’s construction made that kind of value-chasing purchase a necessity.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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To treat thinking not as indulgence but as necessity.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sine qua non.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sine%20qua%20non. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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