as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
compulsory retirement at age 70
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 compulsory
On Tuesday, India's national Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia insisted to journalists outside the parliament that the Sanchar Sathi app was non-compulsory and in line with democratic principles.
—
Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
If Arsenal fail to activate the clause, Leverkusen can do so, forcing a compulsory purchase.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble on Wednesday issued a permanent injunction, saying children of families who object to the state's compulsory vaccination law on religious grounds will be permitted to attend school and participate in extracurricular sports.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Taiwan, meanwhile, has been stepping up its defenses, including the deployment of HIMARS missile systems, indigenous missiles, and naval vessels, as well as increasing defense spending and extending compulsory military service to 1 year from 4 months.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory
Adjective
-
The negotiations have been mired in disagreements over how mandatory water cuts should be divided among the states.—
-
On the production of child pornography offense, Sayer faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison on each count.—
Adjective
-
The victim was taken to the hospital with two stab wounds to her back, and cuts on her arm and hand that authorities say required stitches, per prosecutors.—
-
Families and participants are responsible only for transportation to the adventure locations and for obtaining any required hunting or fishing licenses.—
Adjective
-
In the short run, this would see sellers and incumbent owners capturing much of the benefit while first‑time buyers face higher entry prices.—
-
The convincing Democratic wins reinforced the core truth that attitudes about the incumbent president are now the driving force in off-year elections.—
Adjective
-
After giving birth to her second child in April, the 32-year-old was determined to continue breastfeeding her son — a choice that was both personally important and financially necessary for her family.—
-
The Federal Aviation Administration says the decision is necessary to keep travelers safe.—
Cite this Entry
“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share