as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
compulsory retirement at age 70
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.
—
Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
In the Netherlands and countries in Scandinavia for example, English classes are compulsory at schools and so individuals pick up the language at a much younger age, hence often functioning as a natural second language.
—Aslesha Mehta, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
The Select Committee further asserted that the compulsory separation of children from their parents was required for the assimilation of First Peoples.
—Roland Martin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
In the Netherlands and countries in Scandinavia for example, English classes are compulsory at schools and so individuals pick up the language at a much younger age, hence often functioning as a natural second language.
—Aslesha Mehta, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
The Select Committee further asserted that the compulsory separation of children from their parents was required for the assimilation of First Peoples.
—Roland Martin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory
Adjective
-
Key measures include mandatory identification verification for recording, witness address requirements and free property fraud alert services from county clerks.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Fort Mill joined Clover in announcing mandatory restrictions after the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group upgraded the region to Stage 2.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Just a handful of names are thought to be capable of mustering the required support of 81 lawmakers to trigger a leadership contest.—
Isa Soares,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Don’t try to handle a squatter yourself by changing locks, hauling out belongings or shutting off utilities — Texas law treats that as a self-help eviction and can backfire if the person turns out to have tenant rights, making court eviction the required route in landlord-tenant cases.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
This endorsement may surprise some, given the editorial board’s past comments about incumbent Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who is also an attorney.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
While incumbent governments often struggle in mid-term elections, pollsters forecast that Labour could lose the most council seats since Conservative former Prime Minister John Major lost more than 2,000 in 1995, when his government was mired in endless corruption scandals.—
Andrew MacAskill,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Manager Dave Roberts continues to marvel at the veteran of 17 seasons who is willing to make whatever change is necessary to remain a productive hitter.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
On balance, confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions was necessary.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
