The Opposite(Antonym) of “optional”
The antonyms of optional are mandatory, compulsory, and obligatory. These words convey a sense of obligation or requirement, indicating that something must be done or followed.
Explore all Antonyms of “optional”
Definitions and Examples of mandatory, compulsory, obligatory
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike is mandatory in some countries.
Required by authority; obligatory.
Example
In some schools, physical education classes are compulsory.
Required as a matter of moral or ethical obligation; mandatory.
Example
It is obligatory to wear a mask in public places during the pandemic.
Key Differences: mandatory vs compulsory vs obligatory
- 1Mandatory implies that something is required by law or rules.
- 2Compulsory suggests that something is required by an authority figure or institution.
- 3Obligatory conveys a sense of moral or ethical obligation.
Effective Usage of mandatory, compulsory, obligatory
- 1Legal Documents: Use mandatory to describe requirements in legal documents such as contracts and agreements.
- 2Education: Use compulsory to describe courses or activities that are required by schools or universities.
- 3Ethics: Use obligatory to describe actions that are required by moral or ethical principles.
Remember this!
The antonyms of optional are mandatory, compulsory, and obligatory. These words convey a sense of obligation or requirement, with mandatory referring to legal requirements, compulsory to institutional requirements, and obligatory to moral or ethical obligations. Use these words in legal documents, education, and ethical discussions to convey the appropriate level of obligation.
