as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
the problem is of your own making, so don't think that you can obligate me to help
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Recent Examples of obligate
The developer is also obligated to develop on the land its already acquired, creating even more uncertainty on what a potential legal battle would look like.
—
Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2025
The first is aimed at citizens, giving them more rights to get manufacturers to repair their faulty household goods while obligating governments in the EU governments to provide information or incentives for consumers to visit repair shops.
—Nick Nuttall, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
But as a student of history, a patriotic American who flies the flag at my house every day, who keeps a large portrait of George Washington in my living room, I am obligated to do something rather than passively sit by while the unacceptable becomes normalized.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
In February, the administration said nine state agencies, boards and commissions were unable to access funding obligated by the federal government.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligate
Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2025
The first is aimed at citizens, giving them more rights to get manufacturers to repair their faulty household goods while obligating governments in the EU governments to provide information or incentives for consumers to visit repair shops.
—Nick Nuttall, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
But as a student of history, a patriotic American who flies the flag at my house every day, who keeps a large portrait of George Washington in my living room, I am obligated to do something rather than passively sit by while the unacceptable becomes normalized.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
In February, the administration said nine state agencies, boards and commissions were unable to access funding obligated by the federal government.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligate
Verb
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Female clients of mine have also reported feeling compelled to embrace more traditionally feminine roles.—
Jerry Colonna,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
However, the Supreme Court ruled that lawsuits to compel states to enforce Medicaid law—a federal statute—aren’t valid.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 June 2025
Verb
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In some cases, governments even coerce companies into accepting artificially low prices by threatening to violate their patents and allow other manufacturers to produce copycat drugs.—
Rosa Mendoza,
Boston Herald,
16 June 2025
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Geragos has tried to portray Jane as a willing participant in encounters with male escorts and entertainers while Diddy watched, to undermine prosecution claims that she was coerced and trafficked.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Damaging Iran’s nuclear facilities, decapitating its leadership structure, and repeatedly disrupting its enrichment efforts forces Tehran into a permanent state of caution.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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The murder thrusts Zhan-Zhou into the spotlight and the court of public opinion, forcing her towards a fate intertwined with that of her own country.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Verb
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The Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to oblige the governor’s request.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
25 June 2025
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But when Cadence refuses to oblige Harris, the patriarch remains tight-lipped to maintain the family’s shiny reputation, in true Sinclair fashion.—
Alyssa Davis,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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