1. necessary for relief or supply (Freq. 13) - provided them with all things needful • Syn: needed, needful, requisite • Similar to: necessary • Derivationally related forms: requisite (for: requisite), requisiteness (for: requisite) 2. required by rule (Freq. 1) - in most schools physical education is compulsory - attendance is mandatory - required reading • Syn: compulsory, mandatory • Similar to: obligatory • Derivationally related forms: mandate (for: mandatory)