Find Synonyms

obligatory Synonyms

Another word for obligatory

Choosing another word for obligatory depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; having the nature of a duty or formal requirement.

Usage Example

"Completion of the introductory safety course is mandatory for all new laboratory personnel."

Strongest
mandatory
compulsory
required
Strong
requisite
binding
imperative
incumbent
enforced

• adjective (Context 2)

So customary or expected by social convention as to appear inevitable or cliché.

Usage Example

"The travel blog post ended with the customary photograph of sunset over the ocean."

Strongest
customary
expected
Strong
standard
routine
conventional
predictable
inevitable
de rigueur

• adjective (Context 3)

Restricted to a particular mode of life or environmental condition and unable to survive without it (of an organism or parasite).

Usage Example

"Because viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, they cannot reproduce outside a host cell."

Strongest
obligate

Opposites of obligatory

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

optional
facultative
voluntary
unconventional
discretionary
unexpected
elective
nonmandatory
See all opposites of obligatory

• Nearby Words

obligate
obligation
obligatorily
obligatory
oblige
obliged
obliging

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Obligatory. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/obligatory
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.