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 States may participate voluntarily, but the agency cannot make compliance mandatory while the temporary order remains in effect. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026 He was told to stay away from the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp in June following his second arrest in a week's span. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 For now, mandatory evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for both fires. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The mandatory classes for teenagers include learning about the main types of armaments including machine guns, anti-tank weapons and hand grenades, as well as emergency field medicine and general military discipline. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mandatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory

Adjective

Even though public schooling became compulsory in 1896, the language barrier and the remote location of many plantations led to gaps in access to these laborers’ formal education.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026
That set off both margin calls and compulsory sales at the fund.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

Your school will apply the funds toward required costs like tuition and fees before sending any remaining amount to you.

— Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The economics behind that shift are already influencing how some large companies deploy AI, with businesses becoming increasingly selective in matching individual tasks to models based on cost and required performance.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

In Asia-Pacific, where DeepMind opened a new research lab in Singapore last November, domestic players including ByteDance, Sakana AI and Sarvam AI are building share in markets the incumbent labs historically underinvested in.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Short dramas are unlikely to push out incumbent entertainment formats, according to Sensor Tower’s Shah.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of incumbent

Adjective

Addressing workers at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume warned Tuesday that eliminating tens of thousands of jobs could be necessary to remain competitive.

— Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
The equipment in the classroom is also outdated and no longer reaches performance capabilities necessary for modern digital art, web design and 2D and 3D imaging, officials said.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mandatory

adjective

Example Sentences

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