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 Furthermore, Android 17 introduces mandatory developer identity verification for third-party apps, positioning the Google Play Store as a strict gatekeeper and restricting sideloading. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Rainbow Springs and Henderson Beach also use mandatory day-use reservations. — Jeffrey T. Donner, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 McCoy was held out from the majority of OTAs and all of mandatory minicamp under team supervision, which head coach Klint Kubiak said is being led by wellness coordinator Alex Guerrero. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The rules would require independent oversight of any affiliate relationship, with mandatory reports to the CFTC. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mandatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory

Adjective

While vessel inspections are not compulsory, member states can request a secondary inspection of a vessel in line with specified criteria.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
But compulsory citizen participation in self-governance has a long and distinguished history.

— Susan Ostermann, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

Because so much time has elapsed since Disney last covered the Super Bowl, the company wasn’t burdened by the same degree of obligations to incumbent sponsors that CBS, Fox and NBC face.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Lake beat out a former mayor, a former longtime county legislator and a sitting legislator, in the first Jackson County executive election without an incumbent candidate in more than two decades.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of incumbent

Adjective

Tether defends the short delay as a necessary trade-off for responsible responsiveness in a large ecosystem, rejecting claims of a loophole.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Every Fathom, even the most barebones, will have the hardware and sensors necessary to turn on BlueCruise, the company’s software that enables drivers to take their hands off the wheel while on the highway.

— Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mandatory

adjective

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