Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One would think Fallon would be straining to make the obligatorily polite apologies to his oppressed staffers.

From Salon • Oct. 9, 2023

When I absolutely, necessarily, obligatorily had to watch the pilot episode of “Gossip Girl” on TV, it was for a different reason than that of my peers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2021

“A story about the frivolity of the 20th century should obligatorily dedicate at least one full chapter and numerous scattered mentions to Lee Radziwill.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2019

By the ’60s, the clowns Americans were most familiar with were contractually, obligatorily sunny.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2018

Money is obligatorily hushed at a house like Hermès, as befits a label founded centuries ago to cater to the French carriage trade.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2018