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

During those years, a generation of young men left the country to avoid compulsory military service in Israel's proxy Lebanese militia, known as the South Lebanon Army. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026

The automaker had agreed a deal with unions in late 2024 to avoid factory closures in Germany and rule out compulsory redundancies until the end of 2030. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 July 2026

The film is a reminder that conformity is never compulsory, and that putting yourself out there is the only way to find out who’s ready to catch you. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

In our analysis, the gap between women and men may persist unless masculinity itself becomes less dependent on dominance, control and compulsory heterosexuality. — Ann M. Merriwether, The Conversation, 7 July 2026