obligatory
adjective
oblig·a·to·ry
ə-ˈbli-gə-ˌtȯr-ē 
ä-,
ˈä-bli-gə-
1
: binding in law or conscience
The ordinance made it obligatory that homeowners clear the snow from the sidewalks.
2
: relating to or enforcing an obligation
a writ obligatory
3
4
: obligate sense 1
an obligatory biped
Examples of obligatory in a Sentence
The training is obligatory for all personnel.
This action movie includes the obligatory chase scenes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Microsoft has now released its latest update for Windows 11 users, which is mandatory given the raft of new security fixes accompanied by the near obligatory attack warnings.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
There’s an obligatory sob story about Stefani and her mother (Rya Kihlstedt), who abandoned her and her little brother (Teo Briones) when Stefani was 10, but the emotional stakes are held well enough by the cast’s charisma.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 15 May 2025
And on the flip side, the Andor finale can also proceed in a minor key: quiet, suffused with frustrations and sadness alongside the obligatory hope, as Cassian, Melshi, and Kleya return to a dark and rainy Yavin, where they’re greeted by the none-too-pleased Rebel leaders.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 14 May 2025
The key insight from my work with athletes is that preparation must become appealing rather than obligatory.
—Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
There’s an obligatory sob story about Stefani and her mother (Rya Kihlstedt), who abandoned her and her little brother (Teo Briones) when Stefani was 10, but the emotional stakes are held well enough by the cast’s charisma.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 15 May 2025
And on the flip side, the Andor finale can also proceed in a minor key: quiet, suffused with frustrations and sadness alongside the obligatory hope, as Cassian, Melshi, and Kleya return to a dark and rainy Yavin, where they’re greeted by the none-too-pleased Rebel leaders.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 14 May 2025
The key insight from my work with athletes is that preparation must become appealing rather than obligatory.
—Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obligatory. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obligatory
adjective
oblig·a·to·ry
ə-ˈblig-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-,
also ˈäb-li-gə-
: not to be left out, forgotten, or ignored : being required
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share