MANDATORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

mandatory

adjective

ˈman-də-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of mandatory

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

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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 mandatory Furthermore, Android 17 introduces mandatory developer identity verification for third-party apps, positioning the Google Play Store as a strict gatekeeper and restricting sideloading. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Rainbow Springs and Henderson Beach also use mandatory day-use reservations. — Jeffrey T. Donner, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 McCoy was held out from the majority of OTAs and all of mandatory minicamp under team supervision, which head coach Klint Kubiak said is being led by wellness coordinator Alex Guerrero. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The rules would require independent oversight of any affiliate relationship, with mandatory reports to the CFTC. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mandatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory

Adjective

Voting is optional in New Zealand but enrollment for those eligible and living in the country is compulsory, with failure to do so punishable by a fine of 100 New Zealand dollars ($59).

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
While vessel inspections are not compulsory, member states can request a secondary inspection of a vessel in line with specified criteria.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

What didn’t pan out nearly so well was all the required documentation.

— Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The coalition's suit claims that Watson has not completed the required historical significance report, which could allow a two-year moratorium on potentially tearing down the building to expire in March 2027.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
The district court order would still allow below-ground construction or any other measures necessary to protect national security and the president's safety.

— Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

mandating

mandatory

mandible

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“Mandatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mandatory. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mandatory

adjective

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