Find Synonyms
mandatory Synonyms
Another word for mandatory
Choosing another word for mandatory depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Required by law, official rule, or formal command; compulsory.
Usage Example
"Attendance at the orientation session is compulsory for all incoming students."
Strongest
compulsory
obligatory
required
Strong
requisite
binding
imperative
stipulated
• adjective (Context 2)
Of, relating to, or conveying an official command or legal mandate.
Usage Example
"The judge issued a commanding injunction compelling the company to restore the wetlands."
Strong
commanding
directive
prescriptive
• noun (Context 3)
A person, state, or legal agent to whom a formal mandate is given, especially a nation granted authority by the League of Nations to administer a territory.
Usage Example
"Following the treaty, Britain served as the mandatary for the newly established territory."
Strongest
mandatary
Strong
trustee
proxy
delegate
Opposites of mandatory
The opposite of mandatory shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
optional
nonmandatory
voluntary
permissive
discretionary
advisory
elective
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Mandatory. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/mandatory