compulsory

adjective

com·​pul·​so·​ry kəm-ˈpəls-rē How to pronounce compulsory (audio)
-ˈpəl-sə-
1
: mandatory, enforced
compulsory retirement
2
: coercive, compelling
compulsory measures
compulsorily
kəm-ˈpəls-rə-lē How to pronounce compulsory (audio)
-ˈpəl-sə-
adverb

Examples of compulsory in a Sentence

To free the mind and the heart from compulsory religious confession and observance was good for all three interested parties: the state, the church and the people. Jon Meacham, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2009
So he wants a private life and no photographs and nobody to know his home address. I can dig it, I can relate to that (but, like he should try it when it's compulsory instead of a free-choice option). Salman Rushdie, New York Times Book Review, 14 Jan. 1990
He began to resent the compulsory attendance at the boring factory meetings. James Reston, Jr., Time, 28 Nov. 1988
compulsory retirement at age 70
Recent Examples on the Web The actor ultimately received a $1,000 fine, two years' summary probation and compulsory participation in an AIDS education program as his sentencing over the incident, according to The Independent. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 In September 2022, the Kremlin rolled out Conversations About Important Things, compulsory lessons that would focus on cultivating patriotism, love of country and the correct history. Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024 In 2021, the British Beauty Council successfully pushed for the cutting and styling of afro and textured hair to become a compulsory requirement within the NOS (National Occupational Standards) hairdressing qualification. Sheilla Mamona, refinery29.com, 30 Sep. 2024 Advertisement Even the fireworks felt compulsory rather than celebratory. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compulsory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compulsory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French compulsorie "compelling, coercive," borrowed from Medieval Latin compulsōrius, derivative, with -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix (originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor) of Latin compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus) — more at compel

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compulsory was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near compulsory

Cite this Entry

“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

compulsory

adjective
com·​pul·​so·​ry kəm-ˈpəls-(ə-)rē How to pronounce compulsory (audio)
1
: required by or as if by law
compulsory education
2
: having the power of forcing someone to do something
a compulsory law

Legal Definition

compulsory

adjective
com·​pul·​so·​ry kəm-ˈpəl-sə-rē How to pronounce compulsory (audio)
1
: required or compelled by law : mandatory, obligatory
compulsory arbitration
compulsory insurance
specifically : required to be brought or asserted in a pleading because of having arisen from the transaction or occurrence that is the subject of litigation
a compulsory counterclaim
compulsory reconvention
compare elective, permissive
2
: using compulsion : compelling
compulsory measures
compulsorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on compulsory

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