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
The Select Committee further asserted that the compulsory separation of children from their parents was required for the assimilation of First Peoples.
—
Roland Martin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
According to Article 15 in the new law, Mandarin Chinese is mandated to be taught to all children before kindergarten and throughout the rest of compulsory education up to the end of high school.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
He’s also been convicted of improper disposal of a human body, compulsory insurance violations, distributing or dispensing Class B drugs, and possession with intent to distribute Class B drugs.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Roland Martin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
According to Article 15 in the new law, Mandarin Chinese is mandated to be taught to all children before kindergarten and throughout the rest of compulsory education up to the end of high school.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
He’s also been convicted of improper disposal of a human body, compulsory insurance violations, distributing or dispensing Class B drugs, and possession with intent to distribute Class B drugs.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsory
Adjective
-
The spokesperson noted that the pilot had completed all mandatory medical examinations in compliance with regulatory requirements and held a Class I medical certification.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Martin accepted a plea deal for a 25-year sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Jackeline Madrid suffered a fracture and required stitches.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Bark’s new Companion Concierge will help arrange international paperwork and required vaccinations.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In Maine, Graham Platner, a rough-hewn populist who had to cover up a Nazi tattoo, looks set to handily beat Janet Mills, the polished seventy-eight-year-old incumbent governor.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Interestingly, Governors Weld, Romney and Baker were elected when the incumbent governor, with all the power of the office, did not see re-election and the office was up for grabs.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With his girth, incredible wingspan (85 inches) and arm length (35 inches), Collins is the requisite two-gap defensive tackle necessary for San Francisco’s defense.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
That means an entertainment license wouldn’t be necessary anymore for bars that want to host trivia nights, for bowling alleys and for coffee shops that have an unamplified live performer.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsory. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
