as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
compulsory retirement at age 70
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Recent Examples of compulsory
The plan leaves the door open for limited compulsory recruitment if not enough people volunteer.
—
ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Stripping the rights of states as the primary authority to regulate their education would also limit their oversight of teacher certification, curricula standards and compulsory education.
—Dina Ciotola, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
But the trial judge, not the jury, will rule on any compulsory changes for Meta at the trial’s second stage in May.
—Peter Weber, TheWeek, 25 Mar. 2026
Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.
—Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Stripping the rights of states as the primary authority to regulate their education would also limit their oversight of teacher certification, curricula standards and compulsory education.
—Dina Ciotola, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
But the trial judge, not the jury, will rule on any compulsory changes for Meta at the trial’s second stage in May.
—Peter Weber, TheWeek, 25 Mar. 2026
Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.
—Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory
Adjective
-
Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
The drought led some local governments and utilities to implement mandatory water conservation measures including in Charlotte, Cabarrus, and Gaston County as reservoirs, streamflows and soil moisture declined.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
While starting a business was easy, leading required learning to address tough subjects head-on.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
The upfront costs, setup time, and required repairs to any tears are often worth it, as high-quality netting can last several seasons when stored and maintained properly.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
His bid for the party’s support challenging incumbent Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, was uncontested.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
-
The prospect of Burnham, considered more left-leaning than Starmer, replacing the incumbent prime minister has sent jitters through bond markets in recent weeks.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Last spring, the mayor vetoed the budget adopted by the council, and an override ended up being necessary.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The cosmonauts are effectively the human equivalent of first dog Laika, sacrificing themselves — if necessary — for the good of the wider populous.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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