Synonym Chooser

How is the word oblige different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of oblige are coerce, compel, constrain, and force. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

When would coerce be a good substitute for oblige?

Although the words coerce and oblige have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When might compel be a better fit than oblige?

The words compel and oblige can be used in similar contexts, but compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When can constrain be used instead of oblige?

The meanings of constrain and oblige largely overlap; however, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to oblige?

While the synonyms force and oblige are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

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 oblige But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes. The Editors, National Review, 4 June 2025 With Hill’s 83,000 Instagram and 34,000 TikTok followers, Roadway was happy to oblige. Bridget Read, Curbed, 28 May 2025 The Giants obliged, sending their now-former quarterback into free agency for the first time in his career. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 On the one hand, he felt legally obliged to obey Dred Scott—the court ruling that said Blacks were not citizens—and worried about public reaction. Zaakir Tameez june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • There is no requirement under HB 46, or any prior Texas law, for employers to accommodate the use of medical marijuana.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Guests with food allergies or dietary concerns are accommodated, too.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Female clients of mine have also reported feeling compelled to embrace more traditionally feminine roles.
    Jerry Colonna, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Our theory at the time was that Boeing planes would be leveraged as countries sought to reduce trade deficits with the U.S. to appease Trump.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • As long as the far-left is determining their party’s agenda, Democrats will continue to bleed support as more and more Americans reject not only its radicalism but its inability to distinguish between right and wrong and its inclination to appease evil.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • One of the former detectives Dillard accused of helping harass and coerce a witness into testifying was among the Wolverines.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
  • Attorneys opened their cases on Tuesday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building before the former student, now 26, testified for hours, telling jurors that Crowder engaged her in a relationship and then coerced her into having two abortions.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • From generating boilerplate code to assisting with architecture diagrams, AI is now part of the daily workflow.
    Sebastian Avila, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Farmland and ranch properties, typically large and illiquid assets, have historically forced family sales to cover estate tax obligations.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Initially, the plant’s staff was overwhelmed, forcing Motorola to briefly backtrack on its promise to deliver phones to customers within four days.
    Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • It’s helped stop disease outbreaks, revolutionize agricultural practices, and in some cases, promote democracy.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 July 2025
  • While there is no federal ban against single-use plastic straws, some states and cities have put restrictions in place to help reduce waste.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Judges are not obligated to consider amicus briefs since they are submitted by non-parties.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2025
  • The family told the local station that doctors allegedly said they were legally obligated to keep Smith on life support until the fetus was viable.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oblige

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