mandatory
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mandatory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use mandatory
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin mandatorius, related to mandator ("one who commands") — ultimately from the same root as mandate.
Full origin of mandatory →Frequently asked questions
What does “mandatory” mean?
The word “mandatory” means required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory. In plain terms, something you must do; not optional.
How do you pronounce “mandatory”?
“Mandatory” is pronounced MAN-duh-tree (/ˈmæn.dəˌt(ɔ)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “mandatory” in a sentence?
Here is “mandatory” used in a sentence: “Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.”
What part of speech is “mandatory”?
“Mandatory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “mandatory” come from?
The word “mandatory” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin mandatorius, related to mandator ("one who commands") — ultimately from the same root as mandate.
Is “mandatory” a common word?
“Mandatory” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "mandatory" and "compulsory"?
Both mean required by rule or authority, and they are largely interchangeable. "Compulsory" is especially common in British English, as in compulsory education, while "mandatory" is slightly more formal and frequent in legal, corporate, and American contexts. Neither leaves room for choice.
What is the opposite of "mandatory"?
The opposite of "mandatory" is "voluntary" or "optional," meaning something you may choose to do rather than being required to. A mandatory meeting must be attended, whereas an optional one is left to your discretion.
When should you use "mandatory" instead of "required"?
"Mandatory" stresses that a law, rule, or authority compels the action, so it carries a stronger sense of enforced obligation than "required." "Required" can describe anything needed to reach a goal, while "mandatory" specifically means non-negotiable.
Does "mandatory" imply a penalty for non-compliance?
"Mandatory" means required by law, rule, or authority, and it usually implies consequences if you fail to comply, such as fines or disqualification. However, the word describes the obligation itself rather than naming a specific penalty.