COMPULSORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

compulsory

adjective

kəm-ˈpəls-rē

Definition of compulsory

as in mandatory

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law compulsory retirement at age 70

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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 compulsory War, sanctions and severe economic pressure may have pushed compulsory hijab wearing down the government’s list of priorities, but a temporary retreat in enforcement is not the same thing as recognition of a right. — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 The Kremlin has repeatedly denied plans for compulsory mobilization. — Sam Meredith,anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 Perhaps why the comparatively slim amount of time spent on Borges’ late-in-life political foibles and fascist sympathizing is so uninspired — restrained, workmanlike, intentionally unprovocative, compulsory. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 Based on death certificates alone, a total of 1,712 people who played at least one NFL game since helmets became compulsory in 1949 died between 2008 and 2021. — Mike McRae 15, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compulsory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory

Adjective

The White House has formally sent Congress proposed legislation that would impose mandatory minimum sentences on those convicted of fraud involving federal benefit programs, according to a copy of it seen by Semafor.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Face masks were distributed to local kindergartens, and mandatory mask mandates were slapped on workers at the nearby Irkutsk Aluminum Plant.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

The settlement includes a series of stipulations related to the number of theatrical films the combined company will release per year and the required budget for those films.

— Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Reaching that altitude, however, required GICON to rethink how such a turbine could be constructed.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

California voters will decide this November whether incumbent Shirley Weber will be reelected as secretary of state of California or her challenger, Republican Don Wagner, will replace her.

— Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
In the 3rd District, incumbent Tania Garcia-Cadena is running unopposed.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of incumbent

Adjective

The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

compulsive

compulsory

compunction

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“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of compulsory

adjective

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