mandatory

[man-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈmæn dəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

ADJECTIVE

required, necessary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

binding compulsory de rigueur essential forced imperative indispensable involuntary obligatory

STRONG

requisite

WEAK

commanding compelling compulsatory imperious irremissible needful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

free inessential nonessential optional secondary unforced unnecessary voluntary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said he hoped the bill would make it mandatory for all settings to give children space, support and advice.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

Starbucks Korea shutting all stores for a mandatory history class.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

There are dozens of charges that dealers may present as mandatory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

That got him a fine and a mandatory course on how to use AI properly.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Our Victory Tour interview with Caesar Flickerman was mandatory viewing.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing mandatory

List 2

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Twelve Angry Men

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All American Boys

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