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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cliche
used or heard so often as to be dull
the obligatory cliff-hanger endings for season finales of TV shows
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Recent Examples of obligatory
By introducing two obligatory pit stops, so the thinking went, teams would have to get creative with their strategy and liven up an event that has often felt too predictable of late.
—
Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Microsoft has now released its latest update for Windows 11 users, which is mandatory given the raft of new security fixes accompanied by the near obligatory attack warnings.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
There’s an obligatory sob story about Stefani and her mother (Rya Kihlstedt), who abandoned her and her little brother (Teo Briones) when Stefani was 10, but the emotional stakes are held well enough by the cast’s charisma.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 15 May 2025
And on the flip side, the Andor finale can also proceed in a minor key: quiet, suffused with frustrations and sadness alongside the obligatory hope, as Cassian, Melshi, and Kleya return to a dark and rainy Yavin, where they’re greeted by the none-too-pleased Rebel leaders.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Microsoft has now released its latest update for Windows 11 users, which is mandatory given the raft of new security fixes accompanied by the near obligatory attack warnings.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
There’s an obligatory sob story about Stefani and her mother (Rya Kihlstedt), who abandoned her and her little brother (Teo Briones) when Stefani was 10, but the emotional stakes are held well enough by the cast’s charisma.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 15 May 2025
And on the flip side, the Andor finale can also proceed in a minor key: quiet, suffused with frustrations and sadness alongside the obligatory hope, as Cassian, Melshi, and Kleya return to a dark and rainy Yavin, where they’re greeted by the none-too-pleased Rebel leaders.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligatory
Adjective
-
Efficiency is mandatory, and speed of execution is everything.—
Marc Scheipe,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Military service in Israel is mandatory, and has become even more depended on as the country gets entangled in ever more regional conflicts.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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In a landmark move aimed at bolstering Denmark's military readiness, the Scandinavian country is extending compulsory enlistment to women for the first time.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Her boyfriend was on an Iranian base doing compulsory military service; unreachable and potentially in danger.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Doing so required China, Russia, and Washington’s European allies to sign on to a sanctions regime.—
KORI SCHAKE,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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These aren’t participation trophies but achievements that required skill, preparation and genuine contribution.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Mowing Lawns Homeowners are usually away on vacation or are probably too tired to maintain their yards.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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But, in Dick’s opinion, Charlie grew tired of baseball’s daily grind.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Bracy Davis, who as an incumbent lawmaker was barred from raising funds during the extended legislative session, raised more than $50,000 in just three days between the end of session on June 16 and her campaign filing on Thursday.—
Steven Lemongello,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
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The general mayoral election will take place on November 4, with the Democratic candidate set to face competition from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams - a Democrat who is running as an independent - and Republican candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
This is an excellent day for business and commercial ventures, because your objectives and goals are clearer to you than usual.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
22 June 2025
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Lawmakers’ home addresses have already been removed from the Minnesota Legislature’s website, and the Capitol saw a larger security presence than usual this week.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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By thoughtfully considering how their cultures impact new graduate experiences, companies can create environments that not only attract top talent but also foster the innovation and adaptability necessary for future success.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
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And the Trump administration has framed its unilateralism as a necessary response to China’s actions.—
Oriana Skylar Mastro,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligatory. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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