Synonyms of obligate

obligate

verb

ˈä-blə-ˌgāt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• coerce
• force
• oblige
• constrain
• impel
• drive
• impress
• intimidate
• pressure
• make
• muscle
• blackmail
• bully
• press
• sandbag
• dragoon
• threaten
• blackjack
• twist one's arm
• browbeat
• bulldoze
• terrorize
• cow
• hector
• harass
• drag
• menace
• shame
• badger
• high-pressure
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• allow
• let
• induce
• satisfy
• move
• convince
• talk (into)
• argue
• persuade
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obligate

The Board of Peace has maintained that the agreement indeed requires a total disarmament of Hamas before Israel is obligated to take any action. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026

Officials responded by stating that homeowners can use a city website to prove the property is a primary residence, and that letters were sent to taxpayers who may be obligated to pay the pied-à-terre. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Every ship is obligated to respond to a distress call under maritime law unless doing so would put their own ship at risk. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

The department did not do this, and so federal law should now obligate it to issue a six-month extension. — Dara Lind, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026