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mandatory

adjective

ˈman-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce mandatory (audio)
Definition of mandatorynext
as in compulsory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law the tests are mandatory for all students wishing to graduate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mandatory High water temperatures and low flow have affected rivers and lakes across the state, leading to both mandatory and voluntary fishing closures in order to protect and conserve fish populations. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 The new guidance clarifies that the mandatory testing would initially apply to only male service members. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 The new guidance clarifies that the mandatory testing initially would apply to only male service members. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 The immigration review office acknowledges in its own manual that there can be delays as a result of mandatory security screenings. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mandatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory
  1. compulsory
  2. required
  3. incumbent
  4. necessary
Adjective
  • The Kremlin has repeatedly denied plans for compulsory mobilization.
    — Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps why the comparatively slim amount of time spent on Borges’ late-in-life political foibles and fascist sympathizing is so uninspired — restrained, workmanlike, intentionally unprovocative, compulsory.
    — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of compulsory
Adjective
  • Because the carbon material smooths itself during deposition, manufacturers can eliminate downstream chemical mechanical planarization or etch-back steps that are normally needed to create the required surface.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • That means there are fewer people left to make sure labs and clean rooms pass all the required safety checks during tests that involve extreme temperatures, pressures and electrical discharges.
    — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The Protect Democracy report warns that such partisan tactics reduce faith in American elections generally and insulate incumbent lawmakers from public opinion.
    — Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Tarrant County judge race between incumbent Republican Tim O’Hare and Democratic commissioner Alisa Simmons has been contentious.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of incumbent
Adjective
  • Harrow New York may be vulnerable to a similar fate, but perhaps this sort of gamble is a necessary evil to ensure Harrow’s continuity, in one form or another.
    — Ashley Baker, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Delays are frustrating but necessary Because lightning can happen before or after a thunderstorm is overhead, rain is a poor indicator of lightning danger.
    — Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

mandating
mandatory
mandible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mandatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mandatory. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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