obliged 1 of 2

adjective

1
as in obligated
being under obligation for a favor or gift my new neighbor gave me a Christmas present, and now I feel obliged to reciprocate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in thankful
feeling or expressing gratitude I'd be much obliged if you could do me this favor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

obliged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of oblige
1
as in delighted
to do a service or favor for I would appreciate it greatly if you could oblige me by bringing a dessert to the party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compelled
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

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 obliged
Verb
You are not obliged to use AI for everything. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 But when the opposition are obliged to come forward and make the running, Argentina are too content to sit deep. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Not everyone is lonely; some women, no longer obliged to marry, are probably happier and freer. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 In the Netherlands, employers are generally obliged to pay employees on sick leave 70% of their wages for up to two years. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 6 July 2026 Even with that 2024 ruling and last year’s trial, Rinsch hasn’t paid back Netflix anything, though he still is obliged to. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Lynch, the former star running back for the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders, obliged by getting hailed on by a bucket of ice. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Charles reveals tax bill By law, the British king is not obliged to pay income, capital gains or inheritance tax, but Charles, like his mother did after 1993, has voluntarily done so without disclosing the amounts. — CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Michael Hoffman aka Michael Herman Hoffman did this by resigning from the Oregon State Bar in December 2024 and requesting to be essentially disbarred in Florida, which the state Supreme Court obliged on June 25. — David J. Neal july 5, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
  1. obligated
  2. thankful
  3. delighted
  4. compelled
  5. appreciative
  6. pleased
  7. forced
  8. grateful
Adjective
  • The spokesperson did not respond to specific questions including what the legal basis would be for rescinding obligated funding.
    — Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of obligated
Adjective
  • For Veronica Villa — who had her photo taken — the Fourth of July means being thankful to live in California specifically.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Matt and Danielle were able to bring their healthy twin boys home, and feel thankful for the quick response from Perinton Ambulance and Highland Hospital.
    — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of thankful
Verb
  • This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The role required an actor fluent in Russian and English, a detail that delighted Kharlamova.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
Definition of delighted
Verb
  • When Sedalia businessman Jorge Guevara saw on social media Tuesday that the Royals’ 50-50 charity raffle was going toward the American Red Cross’ earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, he instantly was compelled to enter online.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • The sidewalk in front of my house had some lips and dips that could’ve compelled me to rent heavy equipment and get to work.
    — Wes Marshall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of compelled
Adjective
  • Gianttos adds that Naroditsky’s family is appreciative of the memorial and fellowship.
    — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
  • The two put on a striking battle over three rounds in front of an appreciative crowd in London that evening.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of appreciative
Verb
  • Netflix has a new #1 movie in its top 10 list, a romantic comedy that seems to have pleased both critics and audiences alike, far from a sure thing in that genre.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Success was whatever pleased him that afternoon.
    — Bob Batchelor, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Definition of pleased
Verb
  • Extreme heat has forced several communities in the Washington area to cancel or scale back their Independence Day celebrations.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The Kings forced 20 turnovers, leading to a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of forced
Adjective
  • The Verdict on Ina and Julia’s Potato Salad I’m grateful that Ina’s cookbook introduced me to the powers of potato cooking water.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
  • The Polish superstar is also grateful for the help of another skiing icon, Shiffrin.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Definition of grateful

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obliged

Nglish: Translation of obliged for Spanish Speakers

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