obliged 1 of 2

1
as in obligated
being under obligation for a favor or gift my new neighbor gave me a Christmas present, and now I feel obliged to reciprocate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

obliged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of oblige

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 obliged
Verb
These were gangsters, so they weren’t obliged to couch this any way but direct. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 Shaw-naé pushed for an in-person appointment, and the doctor obliged. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025 The International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change published in July ruled that countries are legally obliged to protect and prevent harm to the environment. Simmone Shah, Time, 4 Nov. 2025 Fans chanted for Lo LaBonta to come on, and Hayes obliged in the 67th minute, bringing the KC Current captain on for Lily Yohannes. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025 Member nations are collectively obliged to respond to attacks on other alliance nations under Article 5 of the founding treaty. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 The subsequent rise of economic populism has heightened fiscal risks, as governments feel obliged to increase public spending in order to win elections. Amaka Anku, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2025 Amazon has previously told Sourcing Journal that, at this juncture, it has not been legally obliged to serve as a joint employer for the workers the Teamsters have brought issues over. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 Many were obliged to exit the Russian market and unravel complex supply chains, resulting in losses amounting to billions of dollars. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
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
  • Finally made it back home from Talladega — a little sore, but feeling better and thankful for all the support.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Others were simply thankful to hear the man was able to avoid a serious allergic reaction before fully understanding his allergy.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Snoop, who delighted audiences with his dispatches from the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, will be back on his ring game next month as a roving correspondent for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Nancy Bernstorff and Terri Lopez, both from Ramona, said they were delighted by Truett’s artwork.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • He was extradited to Pennsylvania for questioning and when he was compelled to testify before a grand jury, Schrader invoked his Fifth Amendment right when asked about Carol Ann Dougherty's murder.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Parks' arrest, however, compelled her to want to do more.
    Time, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump, always appreciative of a compliment, responded by inviting Infantino to a White House signing event for the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Redditors in the comment section were appreciative of the woman’s lighthearted attitude about the mix-up and praised her for being understanding.
    Emily Rella, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, a portion of their fanbase likely isn't all that pleased that the organization seems to be essentially giving up on any hopes of turning things around this season by making these moves.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That was a game that, upon reflection, disappointed us with the result but extremely pleased us with the performance.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As a result, the government is now forced to sell even more oil on the black market at a discount to evade US government sanctions, one of the economists in Caracas told CNN.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • This was not the only notable injury on offense for the Packers in Week 9, as rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden was also forced to exit the game with a shoulder injury.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Names were announced, cheers ensued and grateful winners accepted and quickly posed for photos.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Sally is grateful for your kindness and love.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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