What are some opposite words for compulsory?

Antonyms for compulsory
kəmˈpʌl sə ricom·pul·so·ry

This page is about all possible antonyms and opposite words for the term compulsory.

Wiktionary4.2 / 5 votes

  1. compulsoryadjective

    Synonyms:
    mandatory

  2. compulsoryadjective

    Required; obligatory; mandatory

    The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.

    Antonyms:
    optional

    Synonyms:
    mandatory

  3. compulsoryadjective

    Having the power of compulsion; constraining

    Such compulsory measures are limited.

    Synonyms:
    mandatory

English Synonyms and Antonyms1.0 / 2 votes

  1. compulsory

    In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

    Antonyms:
    accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

    Synonyms:
    absolute, arbitrary, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, tyrannical, unconditional, unequivocal

Princeton's WordNet2.4 / 5 votes

  1. compulsory, mandatory, requiredadjective

    required by rule

    "in most schools physical education is compulsory"; "attendance is mandatory"; "required reading"

    Antonyms:
    optional

    Synonyms:
    requisite, needful, mandatory, needed, required

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated Words0.0 / 0 votes

  1. compulsoryadjective

    Antonyms:
    optional, discretional, elective

    Synonyms:
    constraining, coercive, obligatory, unavoidable

How to use compulsory in a sentence?

  1. William S. Burroughs:

    Humility is indeed beatness, a compulsory virtue that no one exhibits unless he has to.

  2. Yoo Sung-man:

    The band members who are in their 20s must enlist for compulsory military service in a few years.

  3. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban:

    Hungary did everything to fulfil regulations, don't criticise Hungary for doing what is compulsory.

  4. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun:

    In order to effectively block entry for non-important purposes such as tourism, we will expand the compulsory quarantine measure to all foreigners coming in for short stays too.

  5. Sultan Alneyadi:

    Fasting is not compulsory if you’re feeling not well. So in that regard — anything that can jeopardize the mission or maybe put the crew member at risk — we’re actually allowed to to eat sufficient food to prevent any escalation of lack of food or nutrition or hydration.

How to pronounce compulsory?

How to say compulsory in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

rankingword
#751limited
#1237responsible
#1984optional
#5870constitutional
#7995compliant
#8075gentle
#8164mild
#9933conditional
#11526compulsory
#12155humble
#12571accountable
#13558contingent
#18856yielding
#29257submissive
#29487meek
#37657lowly
#49824ductile
#54137lenient
#66707docile
#293856complaisant

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    A synonym for scanty
    A Dearth
    B Inaugurate
    C Spurious
    D Gumption

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