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
Returning to the table, Walzer said that a legal scholar had recently used the jus ex bello doctrine in an op-ed to argue that the war had become so costly to Ukrainians that their government was now obliged to make concessions to stop the fighting. — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 That should come as no surprise; NASA is, after all, part of the executive branch, and the agency is obliged to abide by executive orders. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 On his way out, Council obliged Stokes’ request and let out a few barks of his own. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 Apparently, Turner wasn’t keen on working with Douglas again, but was contractually obliged to make the film. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 2 Oct. 2026 The reader takes on the role of a defendant in an HR investigation, obliged to absorb every detail. — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026 An employee may feel obliged to listen, reassure or reciprocate even when uncomfortable. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 However, underwriters will remain obliged to purchase all of the shares offered. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 Following the first of his three touchdowns against Ole Miss, Baugh obliged, striking the familiar one-legged pose in a corner of the south end zone at the Swamp. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 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
  • But my objection is drowned out by my Lucid Dream Doula, snapping at me to be thankful for the networking opportunity.
    — Julie Klausner, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The cousin was thankful, but the Rev got the message that the family didn’t need financial help.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For families Families are welcomed here with a friendly, low-key attitude that has delighted kids roaming free through the open spaces.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who delighted TV viewers with her light-hearted turns on The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie before quitting at the peak of her powers, has died.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Doncic said there has always been something in him that compelled him to establish connections with fans.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • From the classic ‘Whodunit’ style to thrilling neonoirs, mystery novels have compelled readers to solve cases alongside detectives like Hercule Poirot.
    — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, captain Jared Spurgeon took the team’s new military-style helmet, complete with night-vision goggles attached, and delivered it to an appreciative Lorenz.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The filmmaker was showered with love and adoration by appreciative fans.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After a multi-year hiatus from the show, Burgess pleased the judges with her first routine with Cameron.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The manner in which Marcos Llorente’s opener for Atletico transpired would not have pleased Andoni Iraola, even if the Spaniard needs time for his team to understand his out-of-possession demands.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this fall, a deadlocked jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder case forced the judge to declare a mistrial.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
  • CoreWeave, the biggest of the group, has seen the spread on its credit default swaps soar past 11%, as investors are forced to pay up for insurance against default.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On Monday morning, Sundin was grateful the church building avoided major structural damage, because the vehicle narrowly missed a column.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was grateful to the first lady.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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