Synonyms of compulsory

compulsory

adjective

kəm-ˈpəls-rē 

as in mandatory

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law

compulsory retirement at age 70

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mandatory
• required
• incumbent
• necessary
• obligatory
• urgent
• needed
• imperative
• involuntary
• forced
• requisite
• essential
• nonelective
• peremptory
• indispensable
• enforced
• all-important
• insistent
• demanded
• persistent
• pressing
• coercive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• voluntary
• optional
• elective
• discretionary
• unnecessary
• unwanted
• chosen
• unimportant
• insignificant
• unneeded
• dispensable
• inconsequential
• nonessential

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of compulsory

So, as a very conscious decision for the Remake series, they’ve been made compulsory parts of the team, and they’ve really been fleshed out more and given the background and the deeper dive into them as characters. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

In the Soviet Union, basic military training was compulsory in schools including gas mask drills, march practice, and rifle assembly. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Even though public schooling became compulsory in 1896, the language barrier and the remote location of many plantations led to gaps in access to these laborers’ formal education. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026

Voting is optional in New Zealand but enrollment for those eligible and living in the country is compulsory, with failure to do so punishable by a fine of 100 New Zealand dollars ($59). — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026