1
as in mandatory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
in this state, school attendance is obligatory until the age of 16
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cliche
used or heard so often as to be dull
the obligatory cliff-hanger endings for season finales of TV shows
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligatory
Just a few days later, Jenner stepped out in Paris wearing a very French version of Bieber's first look, pairing her Cecily tote with black capris and an elegant white silk blouse, finishing off the look with open-toed sandals and an obligatory pair of skinny sunglasses.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Others may make a obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca — the Hajj pilgrimage — to visit the holiest sites in Islam, including the mountainous region where Abraham’s feted act took place.
—Monica Haider, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Oh yes, and there's also the obligatory slot for an optional vial of glow-in-the-dark tritium.
—New Atlas, 19 June 2025
After some obligatory agonizing, Alison takes the money.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Others may make a obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca — the Hajj pilgrimage — to visit the holiest sites in Islam, including the mountainous region where Abraham’s feted act took place.
—Monica Haider, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Oh yes, and there's also the obligatory slot for an optional vial of glow-in-the-dark tritium.
—New Atlas, 19 June 2025
After some obligatory agonizing, Alison takes the money.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligatory
Adjective
-
According to Vought, those figures include discretionary and mandatory spending included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Friday.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
-
The statute imposed various mandatory prison terms for violating the law.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Rather, films that portray women without the compulsory veil disrupt the symbolic, legal-religious order.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
-
To bolster security and safety, standards and regulations emerged to force accountability, including compulsory NERC CIP for the North American energy grid and GDPR for EU data privacy.—
Thomas Ryd,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The 31-year-old is a true holding midfielder, offering assurance in playing out from the back and moving the ball through the thirds at the required tempo.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
-
But he still has not been confirmed by the Senate, a required step to take on the role permanently (typically, U.S. attorneys serve through a president's time in office).—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Already, 47% of clinicians report that being tired has impacted their abilities to treat patients.—
Victoria Feng,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
His legs are going to be a little tired, as to be expected.—
Roderick Boone
Updated July 11,
Charlotte Observer,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Although Ashley is still backing the incumbent team, instead of dividend payouts Hugo Boss’s leadership should prioritize funding long-term growth and financial flexibility, Frasers said in a statement issued late last week.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Kirk is one of seven incumbent Blue Jays bats on pace for at least 0.7 more bWAR than 2024.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Elie Saab’s show, as usual, was on point, showcasing spectacular, timeless red-carpet-style gowns which were opulent and glamorous in equal measure.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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For deeper repair, apply generously as an overnight scalp and hair mask, then wash and style as usual the next day.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The data needs to be accessible and running in sync across necessary components within the system, not operating in a silo.—
Lori Schafer,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
The Trump administration argued the deployment was necessary to deal with chaotic protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.—
July 15,
CBS News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligatory. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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