obligatory
3 synonyms and 1 antonyms for obligatory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Required by rule, law, or custom; compulsory.
Synonyms
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
Etymology
From Latin obligatorius, from the same root as obligation.
Full origin of obligatory →Frequently asked questions
What does “obligatory” mean?
The word “obligatory” means required by rule, law, or custom; compulsory. In plain terms, compulsory — something you must do, not optional.
How do you pronounce “obligatory”?
“Obligatory” is pronounced uh-BLIHG-uh-tree (/əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔ.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “obligatory” in a sentence?
Here is “obligatory” used in a sentence: “Wearing a hard hat is obligatory on the construction site.”
What is another word for “obligatory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obligatory” include bounden, mandatory and incumbent.
What is the opposite of “obligatory”?
The opposite of “obligatory” — its antonyms — is optional.
What part of speech is “obligatory”?
“Obligatory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “obligatory” come from?
The word “obligatory” comes from Latin. From Latin obligatorius, from the same root as obligation.
Is “obligatory” a common word?
“Obligatory” is an uncommon word in modern English.