1
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of obliged
Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Gaff reportedly obliged, providing the undercover detectives with a sample that was subsequently sent through the federal database CODIS, where investigators ultimately linked him to Weaver's murder.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Musk obliged with a wink to the camera.
—Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
At the time of the purchase, Pac Bell wasn’t obliged to pay property taxes on the building due to rules that governed Pac Bell at the time.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Aiming to boost his exposure after spending five years at Division II Kutztown, Schernecke obliged.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Ticketmaster’s worst enemy obliged.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Of course, Brown obliged the crowd’s request for second-year point guard Tyler Kolek.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
Each time, the friends put down their cans of Miller Lite and happily obliged.
—Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Verb
Isbel obliged with a single into left field.
—Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Gaff reportedly obliged, providing the undercover detectives with a sample that was subsequently sent through the federal database CODIS, where investigators ultimately linked him to Weaver's murder.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Musk obliged with a wink to the camera.
—Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
At the time of the purchase, Pac Bell wasn’t obliged to pay property taxes on the building due to rules that governed Pac Bell at the time.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Aiming to boost his exposure after spending five years at Division II Kutztown, Schernecke obliged.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Ticketmaster’s worst enemy obliged.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Of course, Brown obliged the crowd’s request for second-year point guard Tyler Kolek.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
Each time, the friends put down their cans of Miller Lite and happily obliged.
—Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
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
Adjective
-
From Elon Musk to Jay-Z, these members of the Forbes list have an extra reason to be thankful for this Mother’s Day.—
Gigi Zamora,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
Faith and a little bit of luck left one teenager thankful after a violent crash earlier this week caused her car to split in half.—
Terell Bailey,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
This special performance is part of Film Independent’s ongoing Live Read series, which has delighted audiences since 2011.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
-
Xi at the time gave the president and first lady a private tour of the Forbidden City, an ancient royal palace that's one of the most recognizable sites in China, and delighted them with a special performance of the Peking Opera on that visit.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The powerful monetary incentives provided to our politicians and their PACs have compelled legislative compliance to their global agenda.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
Toohey said Lyons was compelled to invent the hatchway because the old wooden ones weren’t durable enough, and were difficult to maintain.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Still, Lewber remains appreciative of her time on TV.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
Be respectful, be appreciative.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Again, Brunello was a man at ease in his surroundings, pleased to share the docufilm about his life and philosophies.—
Randee Dawn,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
-
A couple giggling teens popped on and off that scale recently, pleased, apparently, by the reading.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But, according to the Department of Homeland Security, the majority of trafficking victims—seventy-seven per cent—are forced into labor.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The fire destroyed two structures — a cabin and an equipment shed — and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees, who were rescued by a Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
His compassion was on display in the summer of 1999, in the neonatal unit where Ted worked, when two grateful new parents connected him to the job of a lifetime.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
-
Talking with Netflix Tudum, Carano, a pioneer in women’s MMA fighting, said Rousey is grateful for the opportunity to square off against her in the match.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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