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
Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
The famously-shy sophomore obliged, several of her teammates whipping out their phones to record the big moment.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
The countries that are party to the CMS are legally obliged to protect species listed as at risk of extinction, conserve and restore their habitats, prevent obstacles to migration and cooperate with other range states.
—CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Musk’s lawyers cited several Delaware Supreme Court case laws that protect against judge bias in cases and when judges are obliged to recuse themselves.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
For decades after the war, Germany’s attempts to atone for that history through a deep commitment to pacifism obliged defense companies to keep a low profile, avoiding sponsorships and splashy ad campaigns.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Anderson frames his argument largely in relation to the thought of thirteenth-century theologian Thomas Aquinas, who argued that Christians are generally obliged to directly confront someone who is behaving wrongly, and to do it in private to preserve the wrongdoer’s reputation.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2026
Present and correct, just in smaller quantities than previously, and now obliged to make polite conversation with Alexandra Champalimaud’s additions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
The difference is that, while Carolyn struggles to define herself against expectation, John has always obliged expectation.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day where Catholics are obliged to fast and stay abstinent throughout the day until midnight.
—Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
The famously-shy sophomore obliged, several of her teammates whipping out their phones to record the big moment.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
The countries that are party to the CMS are legally obliged to protect species listed as at risk of extinction, conserve and restore their habitats, prevent obstacles to migration and cooperate with other range states.
—CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Musk’s lawyers cited several Delaware Supreme Court case laws that protect against judge bias in cases and when judges are obliged to recuse themselves.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
For decades after the war, Germany’s attempts to atone for that history through a deep commitment to pacifism obliged defense companies to keep a low profile, avoiding sponsorships and splashy ad campaigns.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Anderson frames his argument largely in relation to the thought of thirteenth-century theologian Thomas Aquinas, who argued that Christians are generally obliged to directly confront someone who is behaving wrongly, and to do it in private to preserve the wrongdoer’s reputation.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2026
Present and correct, just in smaller quantities than previously, and now obliged to make polite conversation with Alexandra Champalimaud’s additions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
The difference is that, while Carolyn struggles to define herself against expectation, John has always obliged expectation.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Mar. 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
-
May is thankful Mara has made Michigan his home after weighing offers in the transfer portal.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And thankful for our guests, who give us a reason to work so hard.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For more than 15 years, this interactive walking tour, scavenger hunt and theater adventure has delighted guests exploring Greenwich Village.—
Abraham Swee,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Six were overturned by Major League Baseball’s new ABS challenge system, including back-to-back strike three challenges by Reds slugger Eugenio Suárez that delighted the crowd.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Epstein files have been a thorn in the DOJ leadership’s side for the past year, culminating in a new law that compelled the department to release all unclassified documents, videos, and photos related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
-
On June 15, 1215, rebellious nobles compelled King John of England to sign the Magna Carta.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lately, though, some of the brand’s content has found an appreciative audience among people who believe the United States would be better off without immigrants and people of color.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The co-directors and producer Sarah Strunin spoke to an appreciative Copenhagen audience after a screening early this week.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Nothing Olitzky could have said about the Gaza war would likely have pleased all the members of Beth El.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Hugo erred on the side of religious tolerance, while accepting state meddling in church affairs, positions that pleased no one in power.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Now, as China prioritizes renewable energy over coal, Yang is ahead of the change his fellow workers are being forced to confront.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Conflicting signals have set up a week in which investors are forced to position for starkly divergent outcomes.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Zeder said in a statement the board is grateful for Jaber’s service.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Very grateful to have called him a good friend.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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