1
as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
in this state, school attendance is obligatory until the age of 16
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stereotyped
used or heard so often as to be dull
the obligatory cliff-hanger endings for season finales of TV shows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligatory
During the eighteenth century, travelers on the Grand Tour, completing their education in art and architectural history, made an obligatory stop in Paestum.
—
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Best Things to Do Get your obligatory sightseeing out of the way in Athens, and then head to the beach for an invigorating dip in the Aegean Sea.
—
Aileen Weintraub,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
Many married women squish their arms onto a shield alongside their husband’s, although this is not obligatory.
—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
The two men shake hands, pose for the obligatory photo, and go their separate ways.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Best Things to Do Get your obligatory sightseeing out of the way in Athens, and then head to the beach for an invigorating dip in the Aegean Sea.
—
Aileen Weintraub,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
Many married women squish their arms onto a shield alongside their husband’s, although this is not obligatory.
—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
The two men shake hands, pose for the obligatory photo, and go their separate ways.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligatory
Adjective
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The evacuation order for Zone DUN-009-A was lifted, while Zone DUN-009-B remained under a mandatory evacuation order, according to the Genasys Protect service.
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Like the mandatory monitoring list, it is updated only every five years.
Adjective
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This is a directed, stereotyped behavior in which the highest-resolution region of the somatosensory surface is brought to bear on the object requiring the most detailed analysis.
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Latinos are a fundamental part of American history and culture, and one of the largest communities in the United States, yet their presence in Hollywood has long been limited, stereotyped, or overlooked.
Adjective
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Volkswagen agreed a deal with unions in late 2024 to avoid factory closures in Germany and rule out compulsory redundancies until the end of 2030.
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Zverev had given his window for that day and so was put out by being told that the test, outside of that window, was compulsory.
Adjective
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Depredation occurs when a shark steals an angler’s catch off their line, and Florida’s fishers are tired of it.
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Pugh is tired of seeing her mom suffer by no fault of her own.
Adjective
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The required Biblical passages and stories impact elementary, middle and high school levels and will take effect in the 2030-2031 school year.
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Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
Adjective
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Using ChatGPT, Gemini, and other artificial intelligence platforms to make everyday decisions has become commonplace.
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When spreadsheets became commonplace, companies did not hire fewer finance professionals.
Adjective
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At the same time, new paradigms and technologies have emerged to challenge the dysfunction of the incumbent model.
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Spain’s incumbent socialist government is facing challenges, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues that migration is economically necessary given the country’s aging population.
Adjective
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This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
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Finally, a birthday that really deserves all the usual fireworks.
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligatory. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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