Synonyms

have to

Idioms

Also, have got to. Be obliged to, must. For example, We have to go now, or He has got to finish the paper today. The use of have as an auxiliary verb to indicate obligation goes back to the 16th century; the variant using got dates from the mid-1800s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It also reduces financial risk for airlines that might otherwise have to deal with mass cancellations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

"If it continues like this for a few more days, we will run out of gas in our kitchens and have to return to our villages," Shakuntala says.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

"I know words aren't enough -- I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“It doesn’t usually happen because moviemaking is a business and you have to have names and sell it,” Ortiz says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“I’m not sure what the other chemicals are. I’d have to look them up.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023