non-obligatory
Freely chosen, elective
Non-obligatory describes something not required or compulsory—left to individual choice rather than mandate.
A non-obligatory meeting is one you can skip without consequence.
Non-obligatory readings on a syllabus are suggested but won't be tested.
The term appears in formal or institutional contexts where distinguishing required from optional matters.
Not mandatory
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- electiveChosen, not mandated
- voluntaryDone by choice
- unforcedNot made to happen
unrequired · permissive · uncompelled · at-will · self-determined · uncoerced · consensual · autonomous
Able to be foregone
- non-bindingNot legally enforceable
- unenforceableLacking legal force
- advisoryNotice recommending action
- permissiveTolerant, lacking strictness
discretionary · recommended · suggested · guideline · non-compulsory · courtesy · informal · unenforced
Chosen, not mandated
- supplementaryServing to complete
- enrichmentImprovement through addition
- extracurricularOutside regular coursework
- pass-failBinary grading system
audit · suggested · complementary · additional · independent
Beyond moral obligation
- meritoriousDeserving praise or honor
- recommendedEndorsed as worthwhile
- sunnahTraditional Islamic practice
- piousFaithfully devoted to worship
praiseworthy · encouraged · virtuous · bonus · charitable · almsgiving
optional
Not mandatory
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- electiveChosen, not mandated
- voluntaryDone by choice
unforced · unrequired · permissive · uncompelled · at-will · self-determined · uncoerced · consensual · autonomous · free-will
waivable
Able to be foregone
- non-bindingNot legally enforceable
- unenforceableLacking legal force
- advisoryNotice recommending action
permissive · discretionary · recommended · suggested · guideline · non-compulsory · courtesy · informal · unenforced
elective
Chosen, not mandated
- supplementaryServing to complete
- enrichmentImprovement through addition
- extracurricularOutside regular coursework
pass-fail · audit · suggested · complementary · additional · independent
supererogatory
Beyond moral obligation
- meritoriousDeserving praise or honor
- recommendedEndorsed as worthwhile
- sunnahTraditional Islamic practice
pious · praiseworthy · encouraged · virtuous · bonus · charitable · almsgiving
non-obligatoryobligatory
Required by rule
mandatory · required · compulsory · necessary · requisite
obligatory, obligation, obligations, oblige, obliged, obliges, obliging, obligingly, obligate