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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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 While controllers get extra pay for mandatory overtime, grueling 60-hour work weeks can fuel attrition. — Holly Yan, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025 Taipei has responded by raising its defense budget to more than 2 percent, investing further in developing its own weapons platforms, making big-ticket purchases from the U.S. and increasing the length of mandatory military service from four to 12 months. — Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 The President’s Cake (Iraq, Qatar) by Hasan Hadi narrates the story of nine-year-old Lamia, who must use her wits to gather ingredients for the mandatory cake to celebrate President Saddam Hussein’s birthday. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 Thankfully the email and password combo that used to drive the threat is becoming less dangerous, as 2FA and soon passkeys become mandatory. — Zak Doffman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mandatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mandatory
  1. compulsory
  2. required
  3. incumbent
  4. necessary
Adjective
  • Eleven European countries have compulsory military service: Austria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and non-European Union nation Norway.
    — Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Latvia reintroduced compulsory military service for adult males on January 1 last year, having abolished it in 2006.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of compulsory
Adjective
  • The Fix: Ensure your job descriptions are clear and concise, outlining required skills, responsibilities and expectations.
    — Rebecca Skilbeck, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Management did instruct Hughley to document the use of Benadryl but did not get the required parental signature on the form.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Diving deeper into incumbent talk, one of the other highlights of the most recent Emmys was the success of FX overall.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
  • There's still a place for the Pentagon's incumbent contractors, according to Hammett.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of incumbent
Adjective
  • For some people, a vitamin D supplement may be necessary.
    — Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Going home just before the season turns was necessary, especially since the pop star had a busy end to last season.
    — India Espy-Jones, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of necessary

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“Mandatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mandatory. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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