OBLIGATE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

obligate

verb

ˈä-blə-ˌgāt

Definition of obligate

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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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 obligate Following that, the state is obligated to cover the next $270 million in deficit. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 obligates Washington to measure and reduce regulatory burdens. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Debt settlement programs can take months or years to complete, and your creditors aren't obligated to negotiate. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The agreement does not require prosecutors to make such a request, and the judge would not be obligated to grant one. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obligate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligate

Verb

Greg Derr / Pool via The Patriot Ledger Throughout the trial, Reddington argued that Clancy was in the throes of postpartum psychosis and acted on auditory hallucinations that compelled her to carry out the killings.

— Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026
As the Zellners compel us to laugh at the Alpha Gang, we’re also prompted to reconsider the correct way to learn emotional expression.

— Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of compel

Verb

His brother Tristan was an accessory, the unit said, using physical aggression to coerce the victim.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Starting in January, Cohen began making his claims about being coerced into working with the prosecution in the New York case.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of coerce

Verb

Bournemouth were profligate, despite scoring through Marcus Tavernier and forcing a Malick Thiaw own goal, with multiple first-half chances wasted.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
But the truth of it is that Sharaa forced his hand by seizing swathes of the SDF’s territory in a lightning offensive in January.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

Gearheads had been waiting for the ‘Vette to go mid-engined for decades, and finally, Chevy obliged.

— Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Add-ons are likely to nudge that number up by a few more million, while Tottenham are obliged to buy Marmoush for £60m next summer after a year on loan.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of oblige

Browse Nearby Words

oblations

obligate

obligated

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“Obligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligate. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligate

verb

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