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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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 Prepare for the most crowded, compulsory stretch of the calendar. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 The security buildup comes as university students have returned to the streets in Tehran, protesting compulsory hijab rules, rising education costs and political repression, videos published on Iran International show. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Around 110 staff in the unit will face compulsory redundancy, while 35 vacancies will be closed. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 Four years ago, get-out-the-vote campaigns focused on mobilizing Brazil’s youth, particularly among 16- and 17-year-olds for whom voting is not compulsory. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compulsory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory

Adjective

In Southern California, the city of Long Beach has issued a mandatory evacuation order for some homes through Tuesday.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Long Beach issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th Place.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

In Will County’s District 2, incumbent Republicans Judy Ogalla, of Monee, and Frankie Pretzel, of New Lenox, seek another term against Democrat Bob Howard, of Beecher, in a rematch of the November 2022 County Board race.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Two Roseville City Council seats are up for grabs in November, with neither incumbent seeking reelection.

— Nicole Buss October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of incumbent

Adjective

Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Officials said no other evacuations were necessary and public safety employees and emergency responders remained on duty.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

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compulsive

compulsory

compunction

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“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of compulsory

adjective

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