Synonyms of mandatory

mandatory

adjective

ˈman-də-ˌtȯr-ē 

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

• compulsory
• required
• incumbent
• necessary
• obligatory
• urgent
• needed
• imperative
• involuntary
• requisite
• forced
• essential
• nonelective
• peremptory
• indispensable
• enforced
• all-important
• demanded
• persistent
• insistent
• pressing
• coercive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• optional
• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary
• unnecessary
• unwanted
• unimportant
• chosen
• insignificant
• unneeded
• inconsequential
• dispensable
• nonessential

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mandatory

All seven members returned to group activities last year following their mandatory military enlistment in their home country of South Korea to world on a new album. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2026

Officers and supervisors hired prior to 2025 claimed that new recruits being put on the street are underqualified and, in some cases, have not completed mandatory federal government background checks or been issued security clearances. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Assessed budgets are funded through mandatory contributions charged to member states under a formula based largely on the size of their economies. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Prosecutors gave Trost a three-year sentence because there was no evidence of impairment, and the law allows defendants charged with such offenses to be sentenced to less than the mandatory minimum, the prosecutors’ notes show. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026