COMPULSORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

compulsory

adjective

kəm-ˈpəls-rē

Definition of compulsory

as in mandatory

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law compulsory retirement at age 70

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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 compulsory During those years, a generation of young men left the country to avoid compulsory military service in Israel's proxy Lebanese militia, known as the South Lebanon Army. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026 The automaker had agreed a deal with unions in late 2024 to avoid factory closures in Germany and rule out compulsory redundancies until the end of 2030. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 July 2026 The film is a reminder that conformity is never compulsory, and that putting yourself out there is the only way to find out who’s ready to catch you. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 In our analysis, the gap between women and men may persist unless masculinity itself becomes less dependent on dominance, control and compulsory heterosexuality. — Ann M. Merriwether, The Conversation, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for compulsory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory

Adjective

From a historic red card to mandatory hydration breaks, Barton offers a window into changes from a World Cup referees’ perspective.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Program would be mandatory At least 111 substances of unknown safety have been added to foods, drinks and supplements sold in the United States without alerting the FDA, according to a study released this March.

— Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

What didn’t pan out nearly so well was all the required documentation.

— Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The coalition's suit claims that Watson has not completed the required historical significance report, which could allow a two-year moratorium on potentially tearing down the building to expire in March 2027.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of required

Adjective

In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
The district court order would still allow below-ground construction or any other measures necessary to protect national security and the president's safety.

— Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

compulsive

compulsory

compunction

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“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of compulsory

adjective

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