mandatory

adjective

ˈman-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce mandatory (audio)
Definition of mandatorynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mandatory The Panhandle remains blanketed in storm watches and warning, with mandatory evacuations underway in four counties and a state of emergency declared in 25 counties. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Beyond opposing the state takeover, CVPE advocates against mandatory STAAR testing and urges parents to boycott the exams. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Okaloosa County announced mandatory evacuations for some coastal areas, and communities closed government offices as of Thursday afternoon. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 There are no mandatory upfront fees, although Earnest offers an optional origination fee of 1% to 8% in exchange for a lower interest rate. — Dan Avery,megan Dematteo, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mandatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory
  1. compulsory
  2. required
  3. incumbent
  4. necessary
Adjective
  • French high school students' compulsory classroom hours are among the highest in Europe.
    — NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • French high school students’ compulsory classroom hours are among the highest in Europe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsory
Adjective
  • The settlement includes a series of stipulations related to the number of theatrical films the combined company will release per year and the required budget for those films.
    — Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Reaching that altitude, however, required GICON to rethink how such a turbine could be constructed.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • In Will County’s District 2, incumbent Republicans Judy Ogalla, of Monee, and Frankie Pretzel, of New Lenox, seek another term against Democrat Bob Howard, of Beecher, in a rematch of the November 2022 County Board race.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Two Roseville City Council seats are up for grabs in November, with neither incumbent seeking reelection.
    — Nicole Buss October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of incumbent
Adjective
  • The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

mandating
mandatory
mandible
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Cite this Entry

“Mandatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mandatory. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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