OBLIGE Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'oblige' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of oblige are coerce , compel , constrain , and force . While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

Q: When would 'coerce' be a good substitute for 'oblige'?

Although the words coerce and oblige have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure. // coerced into signing over the rights

Q: When might 'compel' be a better fit than 'oblige'?

The words compel and oblige can be used in similar contexts, but compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force. // compelled to admit my mistake

Q: When can 'constrain' be used instead of 'oblige'?

The meanings of constrain and oblige largely overlap; however, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

Q: Where would 'force' be a reasonable alternative to 'oblige'?

While the synonyms force and oblige are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress. // forced to flee for their lives

oblige

verb

ə-ˈblīj

Definition of oblige next

as in to accommodate

to do a service or favor for I would appreciate it greatly if you could oblige me by bringing a dessert to the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure I know you're in a hurry, but you can't oblige me to drive any faster than the speed limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word oblige different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of oblige are coerce, compel, constrain, and force. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

When would coerce be a good substitute for oblige?

Although the words coerce and oblige have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When might compel be a better fit than oblige?

The words compel and oblige can be used in similar contexts, but compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When can constrain be used instead of oblige?

The meanings of constrain and oblige largely overlap; however, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to oblige?

While the synonyms force and oblige are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

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 oblige Now, the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has maintained that the bilateral relationship should be based on cooperation and not subordination, is obliged to treat the issue of migration and drug trafficking with caution. —

Anna Lagos, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025 The authorities could create a larger financial cushion by issuing war bonds that entrepreneurs and households are obliged to buy. —

Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025 Extending their stay The federal government obliged by extending the visa limit to three years and loosening H-1 requirements in the early 1970s. —

Gabrielle Clark, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025 Acknowledging that Russia is engaging in acts of war would not oblige the EU or individual countries to immediately retaliate with military force. —

Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for oblige

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige

Verb

Each train is designed to accommodate over 400 passengers and will operate at speeds reaching up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph).

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Inside, the open floor plan is perfect for family gatherings, with spacious living areas that easily accommodate both intimate get-togethers and lively celebrations.

— Cece Lesesne, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025