Find Synonyms

compulsory Synonyms

Another word for compulsory

Choosing another word for compulsory depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Required by a law, rule, or official authority; obligatory.

Usage Example

"Elementary and secondary education is mandatory for children in most countries."

Strongest
mandatory
obligatory
required
Strong
binding
imperative
requisite
enforced

• adjective (Context 2)

Involving or exercising physical or legal coercion.

Usage Example

"The municipal government initiated coercive purchase orders to acquire land for the new highway."

Strongest
coercive
Strong
forced
compelling

Opposites of compulsory

The opposite of compulsory shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

optional
voluntary
elective
consensual
nonmandatory
unforced
discretionary
See all opposites of compulsory

• Nearby Words

compulsively
compulsiveness
compulsorily
compulsory
computation
computational
computationally

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Compulsory. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/compulsory
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