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obligatory

adjective

ə-ˈbli-gə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce obligatory (audio)
Definition of obligatorynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 obligatory During his obligatory television interview at the end of the first half of Saturday’s preseason game against the Rams at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed his frustration. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 While several countries have tried opt-out systems, France is hoping more muscular obligatory opt-in rules will be more effective. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 The strawberry fields salad and barbecue pork sandwich make for worthy bites before the obligatory dessert course. — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026 Add a cool summer slide and obligatory pair of black sunglasses for a chic finishing touch. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligatory
  1. mandatory
  2. stereotyped
  3. compulsory
  4. tired
  5. required
  6. usual
  7. incumbent
  8. commonplace
Adjective
  • The mandatory software only made a job possible—not better, not less frustrating, and not any more rewarding.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • As a starting point, the team could argue that no court should hear Kanter’s case because tickets to Sky games reportedly contain a mandatory arbitration clause.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of mandatory
Adjective
  • Despite their outer appearances and oftentimes stereotyped personalities, the ladies embrace each other’s depths and contradictions.
    — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
  • This is a directed, stereotyped behavior in which the highest-resolution region of the somatosensory surface is brought to bear on the object requiring the most detailed analysis.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Definition of stereotyped
Adjective
  • The Kremlin has repeatedly denied plans for compulsory mobilization.
    — Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps why the comparatively slim amount of time spent on Borges’ late-in-life political foibles and fascist sympathizing is so uninspired — restrained, workmanlike, intentionally unprovocative, compulsory.
    — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of compulsory
Adjective
  • The boots apply rhythmic pressure to the legs to improve circulation and move excess fluid out, which can ease heavy, tired legs after a long day of walking, a round of golf or a doubles match.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Two or three boot sessions per week, especially after tough training, give tired legs extra recovery.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of tired
Adjective
  • The report describes cramped windowless housing units offering barely half the required living space, limited showers and recreation, and poor access to clean drinking water, hygiene supplies and legal materials.
    — Gisela Salomon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The city said the event cannot move forward on the new date unless organizers complete the required permitting process.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • There will be three races held in the United States once again, each retaining their usual date slots.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • To Diana, who has taken over First Desk at the Park after last season’s events, River’s refusal to take bereavement leave gives her license to speak about his grandfather’s funeral arrangements with her usual cool formality.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • The Protect Democracy report warns that such partisan tactics reduce faith in American elections generally and insulate incumbent lawmakers from public opinion.
    — Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Tarrant County judge race between incumbent Republican Tim O’Hare and Democratic commissioner Alisa Simmons has been contentious.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of incumbent
Adjective
  • These eye-popping sights have now become commonplace; to date, SpaceX has landed boosters more than 650 times during orbital missions.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Embroidered suits have become increasingly commonplace on the red carpet, with Jeff Hiller and Alan Cumming both pulling them off with aplomb.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of commonplace

Browse Nearby Words

obligations
obligatory
oblige
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Cite this Entry

“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligatory. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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