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
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 mandatory
The official said membership to join the board will not require any mandatory funding obligations.
—
Mariam Khan, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
Coach Sean Payton delivered shocking news well after his mandatory postgame media session, volunteering that Nix had suffered a season-ending ankle injury, making career backup Jarrett Stidham the starter for the most important game of the season so far.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026
In June 2025, all seven members of BTS completed their mandatory military service.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Hard work and maximum effort is mandatory.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mandatory
Mariam Khan, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
Coach Sean Payton delivered shocking news well after his mandatory postgame media session, volunteering that Nix had suffered a season-ending ankle injury, making career backup Jarrett Stidham the starter for the most important game of the season so far.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026
In June 2025, all seven members of BTS completed their mandatory military service.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Hard work and maximum effort is mandatory.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mandatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory
Adjective
-
Most courses lasted four to six years, with compulsory Russian language instruction for the first two, and a significant amount of Marxist dialectics throughout.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
And now that video is all but compulsory, their podcast will stream on Netflix.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Alternatively, individuals can enter without making a purchase by filling out the free online entry form with all its required information, and as a result, secure one spin.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
-
If a person fails to make required deposits, the IRS may withdraw the right to use the safe harbor.—
Carrie Brandon Elliot,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some founders initially turned to fintech precisely to avoid the constraints and complexity of incumbent institutions.—
Pam Kaur,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In a statement, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass offered her condolences to her electoral opponent in the upcoming mayoral race.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Klobuchar plans to make a public announcement in the coming days, according to a person close to the senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity and described the filing as a preliminary step necessary for any candidate considering a run.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In the case of a major snowstorm, such as one this weekend projected to be the biggest Maryland has seen in a decade, AAA urges people to stay home and avoid the road unless absolutely necessary.—
Luke Parker,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mandatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mandatory. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
