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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
-
During a federal government shuts down, beneficiaries of Social Security can expect their payments on time because those payments are considered mandatory spending, including Medicare and Medicaid.—
Mike Snider,
Freep.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Is calling mandatory or optional?—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Later, Lenape artist Joe Baker places cutout photographs of his ancestors over the stereotyped images of Native Americans found in the wallpaper.—
Tom McDonough,
Artforum,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
In 2014, Alinejad founded the My Stealthy Freedom/White Wednesday campaign against compulsory hijab, which is the largest civil disobedience campaign in the history of the Islamic Republic.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Bulletin has made thoughtful decisions each year on how to get people’s attention about existential threats and the required action, Eryn MacDonald, senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Global Security Program, told CNN in 2022.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
After which, dogs and humans being buried together became commonplace.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
But the book cannot credit Boone with commonplace human thoughtfulness.—
Julius Taranto,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Piland has been endorsed by incumbent council members Jared Elad, Brian Livingston and Burt Thakur.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Goldschmidt, who was hired in late 2021, previously served as CEO of the World Surf League, giving her a unique perspective on the sport and its incumbent organizations.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As usual, Coon thrives in ambiguity, layering a seemingly straightforward woman with depth.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
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 1 Feb. 2026.
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