obligatory
adjective
oblig·a·to·ry
ə-ˈbli-gə-ˌtȯr-ē 
ä-,
ˈä-bli-gə-
1
: binding in law or conscience
The ordinance made it obligatory that homeowners clear the snow from the sidewalks.
2
: relating to or enforcing an obligation
a writ obligatory
3
4
: obligate sense 1
an obligatory biped
Examples of obligatory in a Sentence
The training is obligatory for all personnel.
This action movie includes the obligatory chase scenes.
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1953, the average annual income of French farmers was less than half the national average; debt was understood as an obligatory rite of passage into modernized agriculture.
—
Made By History, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Toward the end of the four-hour dinner, there’s the seemingly obligatory invitation to the kitchen, or in this case, to the campfire.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Denmark made women eligible for obligatory conscription from 2026 and lowered health requirements for some roles, as part of a bolstering of the country’s armed forces.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
When learning feels enjoyable rather than obligatory, students naturally spend more time engaged with material, leading to deeper understanding and better retention.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
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Made By History, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Toward the end of the four-hour dinner, there’s the seemingly obligatory invitation to the kitchen, or in this case, to the campfire.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Denmark made women eligible for obligatory conscription from 2026 and lowered health requirements for some roles, as part of a bolstering of the country’s armed forces.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
When learning feels enjoyable rather than obligatory, students naturally spend more time engaged with material, leading to deeper understanding and better retention.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obligatory. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obligatory
adjective
oblig·a·to·ry
ə-ˈblig-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-,
also ˈäb-li-gə-
: not to be left out, forgotten, or ignored : being required
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