Synonyms of mandatory

mandatory

adjective

ˈman-də-ˌtȯr-ē 

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

• compulsory
• required
• incumbent
• necessary
• obligatory
• urgent
• needed
• imperative
• involuntary
• requisite
• forced
• essential
• nonelective
• peremptory
• indispensable
• enforced
• all-important
• demanded
• persistent
• insistent
• pressing
• coercive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• optional
• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary
• unnecessary
• unwanted
• unimportant
• chosen
• insignificant
• unneeded
• inconsequential
• dispensable
• nonessential

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mandatory

In follow-up posts on X, Tesla said that a service visit for the charge port is mandatory after every use of the feature, and that, depending on the Supercharger, the electrical and civil costs of repairing the damage can reach up to $25,000. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026

Guerrero was not arrested but given a mandatory order to appear in court citation. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

To gain city approval, Alcala underwent several phases of review, starting with the mandatory application process. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Police said in an initial statement on Saturday that an 18-year-old man, whose vehicle had a p-plate (indicating the driver holds a provisional or probationary license) attached, was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026