obliging 1 of 2

Definition of obligingnext
as in friendly
willing to do a favor an obliging concierge used her pull to get us reservations at the town's hottest restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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obliging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of oblige

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obliging distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obliging are amiable, complaisant, and good-natured. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

When is it sensible to use amiable instead of obliging?

The words amiable and obliging can be used in similar contexts, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When might complaisant be a better fit than obliging?

While in some cases nearly identical to obliging, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

In what contexts can good-natured take the place of obliging?

The meanings of good-natured and obliging largely overlap; however, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

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 obliging
Adjective
Perhaps it could be argued that Freiburg were obliging opponents. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Rarely does another forward group make Colorado look slow, but Minnesota seemed to delight in obliging. Sean Keeler, Twin Cities, 5 May 2026
Verb
In civil aerospace, for example, Rolls is benefiting as manufacturers Airbus and Boeing struggle to deliver new aircraft at the pace the market requires — obliging airlines to keep flying old planes (and their engines) for longer. Ian King, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026 Black has sometimes driven for miles to a particular cemetery only to find a funeral under way, obliging him to leave empty-handed. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obliging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliging
Adjective
  • Prior to the game, both players said Sutter Health Park had lived up to its reputation as a hitter-friendly ballpark.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Alarmed by an avalanche of high-density development projects prompted by a developer-friendly state law, Miami commissioners have ordered the city attorney to look into challenging the controversial legislation.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • There’s a main hall, where technically demanding productions will be held, accommodating over 2,000 people.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • The structures include separate male and female changing cabins, a full dining hall capable of accommodating large dinner parties, a more intimate dining space, a summer kitchen, and several separate saunas.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Travis Reed, who was a fire captain with the now-defunct Briar Volunteer Fire Department, admitted to coercing a minor into producing child pornography in September, according to a summary of facts in the case.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act would prohibit federal agencies and employees from coercing or trying to coerce broadcasters and providers of online services or AI services into changing content.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Tauruses usually follow the rules and do what is suggested to thrive and prosper because appeasing others is easier than arguing.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • With the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel being the current passageway, the economist said the Gordie Howe Bridge will alleviate the backups businesses have been seeing and are trying to avoid, while appeasing the many employees who travel back and forth for work.
    Julia Avant, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • California previously faced tens of billions of dollars in budget deficits, forcing painful cuts such as a rollback last year on a promise to provide free healthcare to low-income immigrants without legal status.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • There were 407 traffic stops and 144 traffic services, which includes debris removal, assisting with disabled or hazardous motor vehicles, according to state police on Friday.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2026
  • No one was ever charged with pulling the trigger, but three other men, Paul McIntyre, 58, Peter Cavanagh, 37, and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, were charged with murder as accomplices for encouraging or assisting the shooter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The surge in chip investment and demand has reignited economic growth and inflation, compelling the Bank of Korea (BOK) to consider aggressive rate hikes.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Selaocoe extends that feeling after the song ends by once again compelling the audience to join him in song.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • The Dutch were the neutral’s favourites throughout World Cup 1974, their Total Football taking the game to a new level, and delighting supporters with their fluidity, high defensive line and commitment to keep on attacking.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The last two songs ended in all-out thrash conflagrations, delighting the slam-dancers at the center of the floor.
    Steve Knopper, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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