Compulsory — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /kəm-ˈpəl-sə-rē/ com·pul·so·ry

Meaning & Definition of Compulsory

Compulsory (adjective)

  1. mandatory, enforced
  2. coercive, compelling

Compulsory (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law

    "compulsory retirement at age 70"

    similar: forced, imperative, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory, required
    related: all-important, essential, indispensable, needed, requisite, insistent, persistent, pressing, urgent, demanded, enforced, coercive
    opposite: elective, optional, voluntary
    near: chosen, discretionary, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, inconsequential, insignificant, nonessential, unimportant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Compulsory

The most common words with a similar meaning to Compulsory:

forced, imperative, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory, required

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Compulsory

Words with the opposite meaning of Compulsory:

elective, optional, voluntary

Related Words for Compulsory

all-important, essential, indispensable, needed, requisite, insistent, persistent, pressing, urgent, demanded, enforced, coercive

Near Antonyms of Compulsory

chosen, discretionary, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, inconsequential, insignificant, nonessential, unimportant

Word Forms of Compulsory

Derived words: compulsorily (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Compulsory

borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French compulsorie "compelling, coercive," borrowed from Medieval Latin compulsōrius, derivative, with -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix (originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor) of Latin compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus) compel

First known use: 1581

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Compulsory

Frequently Asked Questions about Compulsory

What does "Compulsory" mean?

"Compulsory" means mandatory, enforced. As an adjective, it is defined as: mandatory, enforced.

What is another word for "Compulsory"?

Other words for "Compulsory" include forced, imperative, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective and obligatory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Compulsory" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Compulsory"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Compulsory". Common alternatives include forced, imperative, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory and required.

What is the opposite of "Compulsory"?

Antonyms of "Compulsory" include elective, optional and voluntary. Near antonyms include chosen, discretionary, dispensable and unnecessary.

How do you use "Compulsory" in a sentence?

Examples of "Compulsory" in a sentence: "compulsory retirement at age 70".

Is "Compulsory" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Compulsory" is an adjective.

Is "Compulsory" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Compulsory" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Compulsory"?

"Compulsory" is pronounced /kəm-ˈpəl-sə-rē/ and divided into syllables as com·pul·so·ry.