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

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How to use compulsory in a sentence?

1. Terry Pell:

   This case is about the right of individuals to decide for themselves whether to join and pay dues to an organization that purports to speak on their behalf. We are seeking the end of compulsory union dues across the nation on the basis of the free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

2. Commerce Ministry:

   There have been recent media reports that the Government of India has privately assured that it will not issue any more compulsory licenses. 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 licenses and the freedom to determine the grounds upon which such licenses are granted.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Tony Blair, Speech to the Labor Party Conference 3 October 1995:

   …instead of wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on compulsory ID cards as the Tory Right demand, let that money provide thousands of extra police officers on the beat in our local communities.