Synonyms 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.

   Synonyms:
   mandatory

   Antonyms:
   optional

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.

   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

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

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:2.4 / 5 votes

1. compulsory, mandatory, requiredadjective

   required by rule

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

   Synonyms:
   requisite, needful, mandatory, needed, required

   Antonyms:
   optional

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. compulsoryadjective

   Synonyms:
   compelling, constraining, coercive

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

1. compulsoryadjective

   Synonyms:
   constraining, coercive, obligatory, unavoidable

   Antonyms:
   optional, discretional, elective

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "compulsory":

   mandatory, obligatory, binding, non-compensatory, obligation, forced, required, coercive, obligations, peremptory, statutory, forcible, requirement, obliged

How to pronounce compulsory?

How to say compulsory in sign language?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use compulsory in a sentence?

1. Alexandra Minna Stern:

   Under those laws, about 60,000 people were sterilized in procedures that we would qualify today as being compulsory, forced, involuntary, and under the justifications that the people who were being sterilized were unfit to reproduce.

2. Boris Johnson:

   We can return to Plan A in England and allow Plan B regulations to expire. As a result, from the start of Thursday next week, mandatory certification will end, organizations can, of course, choose to use the NHS COVID pass voluntarily, but we will end the compulsory use of COVID safety certification in England.

3. Alamin Alkundi:

   Registration by regulator is not compulsory for nutritionists in the UK and their title is not protected, so anybody can practice as a nutritionist.

4. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun:

   In order to effectively block entry for non-important purposes such as tourism, we will expand the compulsory quarantine measure to all foreigners coming in for short stays too.

5. Commerce Ministry:

   Even as government of India is conscious of the need to spur innovation and protect individual rights, it retains the sovereign right to utilize the flexibilities provided in the international (IP rights) regime, it may be noted that to date, there has been only one case of compulsory licence in India and that too after a well-thought out and laid down process, which was subsequently upheld right up to the highest Court of the land.