obligated 1 of 2

as in obliged
being under obligation for a favor or gift we have been their guests so many times that we feel obligated to return their hospitality

Synonyms & Similar Words

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obligated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of obligate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obligated
Verb
Ratcliffe’s defenders say that his role as the DNI obligated him to speak up, even if that meant straying into red-hot political topics. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 Starting in 2028, all businesses in Germany will be obligated to issue electronic invoices. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 Because those images gained so much notoriety over the course of the year, did that mean we were obligated to place them on this list? Time Photo Department, TIME, 30 Dec. 2024 Vici Properties and Crown Castle are both real estate investment trusts, which are obligated to pay out 90% of their taxable income to maintain that status. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2024 And no one is obligated to give – or accept – a gift. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024 And the city was obligated to house homeless people, including new migrants, under a longstanding legal mandate known as right to shelter. Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024 They are not obligated to vote with the mayor. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024 This is a woman that’s obligated to override the limits of a patriarchal society—because even a progressive family was still patriarchal in Brazil in the ’70s. Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligated
Verb
  • The bipartisan vote for release marks a significant shift, as Republicans in the full House had previously blocked two Democratic resolutions that would have compelled the report's release.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Without China making the first move, Chinese firms will be compelled by genuine market forces rather than often heavy-handed and inefficient state mandates to realize Xi’s vision.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Critics say the initiative leaves poor countries who accept the funding heavily indebted to Beijing.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Phillips’ trial attorneys argued that one of the men who Triano was allegedly indebted to, Neil McNeice, had the motive and means to kill him.
    Matt Allen, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Clark has been grateful to watch the growth of interest in her sport during her time playing basketball at Iowa and then into her rookie season with the Fever last year.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
  • This year, Hurts is grateful for the chance to play once more at the Super Bowl.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In all but three cases, Biden obliged.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Last, but not least, as the host of a party you are never obliged to serve a wine that a guest has brought.
    Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The growing reliance on federal Medicaid-expansion dollars creates a dangerous cycle in which states become increasingly beholden ...
    Gary D. Alexander, National Review, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Already inclined to listen to Tehran, Damascus has now become thoroughly beholden.
    Reuel Marc Gerecht, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near obligated

Cite this Entry

“Obligated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligated. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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