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
And there are some but not enough competent instructors who can teach and inspire new hunters instead of just dragging them through an obligatory course.
—
The Editors, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
But for many of Swift’s fans, ponying up must feel simultaneously pleasurable and obligatory—just like paying to attend Life of a Showgirl movie screenings that mostly consisted of lyric videos.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Wearing a mountaineering helmet was now obligatory.
—Anna Richards, Outside, 18 Sep. 2025
The highlight of the film is the obligatory dance scene at the party.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligatory
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The Editors, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
But for many of Swift’s fans, ponying up must feel simultaneously pleasurable and obligatory—just like paying to attend Life of a Showgirl movie screenings that mostly consisted of lyric videos.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Wearing a mountaineering helmet was now obligatory.
—Anna Richards, Outside, 18 Sep. 2025
The highlight of the film is the obligatory dance scene at the party.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 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
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