Antonyms for compulsory
kəmˈpʌl sə ricom·pul·so·ry

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:4.2 / 5 votes

1. compulsoryadjective

   Synonyms:
   mandatory

2. compulsoryadjective

   Required; obligatory; mandatory

   The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.

   Antonyms:
   optional

   Synonyms:
   mandatory

3. compulsoryadjective

   Having the power of compulsion; constraining

   Such compulsory measures are limited.

   Synonyms:
   mandatory

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:1.0 / 2 votes

1. compulsory

   In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

   Antonyms:
   accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

   Synonyms:
   absolute, arbitrary, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, tyrannical, unconditional, unequivocal

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:2.4 / 5 votes

1. compulsory, mandatory, requiredadjective

   required by rule

   "in most schools physical education is compulsory"; "attendance is mandatory"; "required reading"

   Antonyms:
   optional

   Synonyms:
   requisite, needful, mandatory, needed, required

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. compulsoryadjective

   Antonyms:
   optional, discretional, elective

   Synonyms:
   constraining, coercive, obligatory, unavoidable

How to use compulsory in a sentence?

1. Scott Morrison:

   No one is going to force anybody to do anything as a compulsory measure, but we certainly will encourage people to take this up, everybody needs to understand what we are trying to achieve here.

2. Ivo Vlaev:

   This is well illustrated by the inflection point in The UK when compulsory mask wearing was announced.

3. Commerce Ministry:

   There have been recent media reports that the Government of India has privately assured that it will not issue any more compulsory licences. It is hereby clarified that such reports are factually incorrect, in this regard, it may be noted that India has a well-established TRIPS compliant legislative, administrative and judicial framework to safeguard IPRs (intellectual property rights). Under the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement Public Health, each member has the right to grant compulsory licences and the freedom to determine the grounds upon which such licences are granted.

4. A.E. Samaan:

   Eugenics is not just a tool of totalitarianism. Eugenics, as it was conceived, could not be anything but totalitarian as it desired to control all aspects of society. Hitler’s “National Socialist” (Nationalsozialist) form of government was amongst the first to put the full force of its government to conduct compulsory health initiatives. It is by no coincidence that the Dachau concentration camp used its slave-labor to run the largest organic produce farm of the era.

5. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban:

   Hungary did everything to fulfil regulations, don't criticise Hungary for doing what is compulsory.

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