1
2
as in thankful
feeling or expressing gratitude
I'd be much obliged if you could do me this favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in delighted
to do a service or favor for
I would appreciate it greatly if you could oblige me by bringing a dessert to the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compelled
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
I know you're in a hurry, but you can't oblige me to drive any faster than the speed limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Investors who obtain the visa aren’t obliged to reside in Greece.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
His second-best was flinging the ball up and hoping for a pass interference call, which the Buffs (and refs) obliged three times on the Cowboys’ first four third-down tries.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Lesnar obliged and hit Graves with a second F5.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals star obliged.
—Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Yes, the city knows its way around a good crabcake—something every visitor is obliged to try—but the scenery goes beyond the plate.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Sep. 2025
Princess Kate obliged, seemed to say farewell to Melania and stepped away to walk towards Prince William's side.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology obliged.
—Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The bulk of the crowd fell quiet as those closest to the sign obliged.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Investors who obtain the visa aren’t obliged to reside in Greece.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
His second-best was flinging the ball up and hoping for a pass interference call, which the Buffs (and refs) obliged three times on the Cowboys’ first four third-down tries.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Lesnar obliged and hit Graves with a second F5.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals star obliged.
—Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Yes, the city knows its way around a good crabcake—something every visitor is obliged to try—but the scenery goes beyond the plate.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Sep. 2025
Princess Kate obliged, seemed to say farewell to Melania and stepped away to walk towards Prince William's side.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology obliged.
—Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 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
-
The New York rapper admitted to keeping his drug addiction hidden to keep up his public appearance, and was thankful to have survived such aggressive usage.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Jenna is thankful for the extra effort first responders went to on the day of the emergency, from moving the family’s truck off the exit ramp to arranging for someone to check on her son, Kaleb, who was home at the time of the incident.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Focusing solely on the weak link generated screams that delighted the whole pack of friends and family.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Central Park has long been a magnet for street performers, but the simple synchronicity between dog and musician has delighted viewers.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Drivers were asked to describe their aggressive behaviors, situations that compelled aggressive driving, emotions felt, coping strategies and road rage experiences.—
Stuart Dyos,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Bianca felt compelled to share footage of her experience after seeing other parents express similar frustrations on social media.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Stevenson was appreciative of the vote of confidence from his head coach.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The menu circles the room to appreciative murmurs.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, two days later, Long addressed Carey's reaction on The Shade Room, revealing Carey asked her to sing during the tribute and was pleased by her set.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Considering the Season 3 finale had mixed reviews, with many viewers wishing Han had given audiences an extended look at Conrad and Belly's future, this surprise announcement has pleased Bonrad fans everywhere.—
Rachel Choy,
Refinery29,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Jacksonville forced San Francisco to turn the ball over four times.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The veteran guard has joined a new team in August in three of the last four seasons and after training camp in the fourth, she was forced to adapt to a different set of teammates and plays in a hurry.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Another parent who’s grateful for nirsevimab is Suzich, who worked on its development at MedImmune.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Ray, grateful for the distraction, rubs my Lab behind his ears and tells me how much Michelle loved dogs.—
Ted Katauskas,
Outside,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share