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
Synonyms
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
The obligatory scene where Dreux and Alyssa air out all of their frustrations with each other makes legitimate points on both sides.
—
Fred Topel, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
After weeks of workouts, Andrews told Mara to show anyone entering the weight room his biceps, prompting an obligatory flex.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
There will be no more court orders from Deerfield Beach with an obligatory baseball reference.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
The carry-on’s standout feature is the fold-out cup holder, a godsend for the obligatory airside Starbucks stop before an early departure.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024
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.
Fred Topel, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
After weeks of workouts, Andrews told Mara to show anyone entering the weight room his biceps, prompting an obligatory flex.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
There will be no more court orders from Deerfield Beach with an obligatory baseball reference.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
The carry-on’s standout feature is the fold-out cup holder, a godsend for the obligatory airside Starbucks stop before an early departure.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obligatory
Dictionary Entries Near obligatory
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obligatory. Accessed 24 Jan. 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