1
as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
in this state, school attendance is obligatory until the age of 16
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stereotyped
used or heard so often as to be dull
the obligatory cliff-hanger endings for season finales of TV shows
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligatory
Research suggests that voluntary, meaningful giving is more beneficial than giving that feels obligatory or stressful.
—
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
For a while there, going to the barbershop could feel like an obligatory act of personal maintenance—more stylish than getting your teeth cleaned, but not by much.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025
The country’s Superannuation system began obligatory payments in 1992 at 3% of earnings.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
The more American power must be constrained, the more Washington will have to excel at persuasion, the obligatory pursuit of countries that are not hegemons.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
For a while there, going to the barbershop could feel like an obligatory act of personal maintenance—more stylish than getting your teeth cleaned, but not by much.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025
The country’s Superannuation system began obligatory payments in 1992 at 3% of earnings.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
The more American power must be constrained, the more Washington will have to excel at persuasion, the obligatory pursuit of countries that are not hegemons.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligatory
Adjective
-
Shouts for it will be met by angry fingers jutted towards the various gaffes played ad nauseam on Sky Sports’ weekly Ref Watch, or the mandatory pause before the emotional unleashing as VAR mulls over whether a goal is a goal or just a hoax.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Many are pulling six-day work weeks with mandatory overtime, and increasing numbers have begun calling out as the financial strain and exhaustion mount.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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At the time, Latinos were often cast in stereotyped roles with heavy accents and largely denied the opportunity to direct features.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
More recently, the church was sued by a former employee over a policy of compulsory tithing.—
Sam Kestenbaum,
Vulture,
2 Jan. 2026
-
The core design feature is compulsory arbitration, where everyone agrees that if there is a dispute, it is heard by a process overseen by the commissioner—and unlike litigation, it is conducted in private.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The first turned a fourth-quarter fumble into a 59-yard score when Achane burst through a tired, and seemingly defeated Buffalo defensive front and outsprinted the Bills’ entire secondary to the end zone.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
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But that feels like a tired, outdated characterisation.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This summer, Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission passed regulations that designated some sections fly-only and required anglers to pinch their barbs.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Chamber argues that the fee was imposed without congressional approval or required rulemaking, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The incidents have mainly taken place in states where aerial pesticides have become more commonplace.—
Carolina Abbott Galvão,
The Dial,
6 Jan. 2026
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Including a mid-round pick (or two) is a simple and commonplace way for teams to maximize their return in a trade.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In the short run, this would see sellers and incumbent owners capturing much of the benefit while first‑time buyers face higher entry prices.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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The convincing Democratic wins reinforced the core truth that attitudes about the incumbent president are now the driving force in off-year elections.—
Ronald Brownstein,
Mercury News,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As usual, Coon thrives in ambiguity, layering a seemingly straightforward woman with depth.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
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As a result, Musick elected to bench her usual rotation for much of the second half.—
Ethan Westerman,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligatory. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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