compulsory
15 synonyms and 2 antonyms for compulsory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Required by a rule, law, or authority; mandatory.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use compulsory
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus — see "compulsion."
Full origin of compulsory →Frequently asked questions
What does “compulsory” mean?
The word “compulsory” means required by a rule, law, or authority; mandatory. In plain terms, something you must do, not optional.
How do you pronounce “compulsory”?
“Compulsory” is pronounced kuhm-PUHL-suh-ree (/kəmˈpʌlsəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “compulsory” in a sentence?
Here is “compulsory” used in a sentence: “Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory in most countries.”
What is another word for “compulsory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compulsory” include mandatory, binding, compulsatory, decretory, forced and imperative.
What is the opposite of “compulsory”?
The opposite of “compulsory” — its antonyms — are optional and voluntary.
What part of speech is “compulsory”?
“Compulsory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “compulsory” come from?
The word “compulsory” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus — see "compulsion.".
Is “compulsory” a common word?
“Compulsory” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "compulsory" and "mandatory"?
Both words describe something required by a rule, law, or authority, and in most contexts they are interchangeable. "Compulsory" is often used for things enforced by institutions such as schools or governments, like compulsory education, while "mandatory" appears slightly more often in legal, workplace, and procedural contexts.
What is the difference between "compulsory" and "obligatory"?
"Compulsory" stresses that a rule or authority forces the action, leaving no choice, while "obligatory" can also describe something expected due to social custom, duty, or politeness rather than formal enforcement. A compulsory course must be taken to graduate, whereas an obligatory thank-you note is expected by etiquette rather than law.
Can "compulsory" describe a voluntary activity?
No, by definition "compulsory" describes something required rather than optional, so it cannot logically describe a voluntary activity. If something is compulsory, a person or group has no choice but to comply with the rule, law, or authority that imposes it.