- 1obligatory (for somebody) (to do something) (formal) that you must do because of the law, rules, etc. synonym compulsory It is obligatory for all employees to wear protective clothing. opposite optional
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- 2(often humorous) that you do because you always do it, or other people in the same situation always do it In the mid 60s he took the almost obligatory trip to India.
Check pronunciation: obligatory