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 Beijing’s foreign ministry said Monday that she was involved in a criminal case and obliged to cooperate with an investigation. Reuters, NBC news, 22 July 2025 United happily obliged, organizing champagne for them on board and a celebratory wedding cake waiting for them at the gate in Orlando. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 July 2025 But when Dexter relapsed back into killing and exposed his son to the family trade, the homecoming turned sour and Dexter begged his kid to shoot him–– and Harrison obliged. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025 Of course, the mom was more than happy to oblige and let her son plan out the perfect slumber party. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • The outdoor seating area can accommodate 36 people and features an outdoor bar top.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2025
  • With four main assembly lines and space for a fifth, the plant can accommodate up to 250 people per shift.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • This fosters a competitive market where vendors are compelled to innovate on value, not by locking customers into their ecosystem.
    Rajat Bhargava, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • American filmmakers are mostly hostile to the technology, citing intellectual property theft, strained labor relations, and the environmental impact of data farms — while Chinese creatives have been compelled to embrace the speed and ease of AI for innovation.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • To rob them and their kids of their voices in Congress, all to appease the Republican Party’s cult leader in the White House.
    Eleanor Dearman Updated August 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Aug. 2025
  • While the government has not given into the pressure to release the full Epstein files, the request for the grand jury materials is one of a few more limited steps the DOJ has taken to try and appease the public.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The attention influencers and celebrities generate fuels this model, but rest assured, checks and balances coerce cooperation.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2025
  • If Messi and teammate Jordi Alba skip the event and avoid immediate sanctions, as early reporting from ESPN suggests, what is to coerce Kylian Mbappe 10 years or Lamine Yamal 20 years from now in the twilight of their careers?
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Members of the Garden Walk committee presented a money to Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Christine Fisher to assist the agency in supplying food to pantries across 11 counties, including Loaves & Fishes in Naperville, a news release said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The fire marshal’s office and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit were also summoned to assist with the investigation.
    David Chiu, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • So far nothing is forcing the city to even help arrest immigrants, even if Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks. Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) has introduced House Bill 26, which directs state and local authorities to assist ICE.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • In 2022, then-Land Commissioner George P. Bush forced Paxton into a runoff in his bid for a third term for attorney general.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Mark was disappointed, but the poster defended himself, saying he’s helped before and didn’t want to be taken for granted.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • By applying relentless pressure, providing education to the public, and offering alternative solutions, the HFC helped secure significant savings for the American people in the final piece of legislation.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Serving as the unofficial GM of the team founded by Marc D’Amelio, Boatright, 32, told the FS2 announcers he was obligated to play through his twisted ankle and take the lead.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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