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

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

Too silly for any real person to say, this kind of sentence is practically compulsory in a certain aspirational strain of women’s entertainment. — Judy Berman, Time, 6 July 2026

Zverev had given his window for that day and so was put out by being told that the test, outside of that window, was compulsory. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Since Israel’s founding, members of the community who devoted themselves to Torah studies have been exempt from the nation’s compulsory military service. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026