OBLIGATED Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

obligated 1 of 2

adjective

as in obliged

being under obligation for a favor or gift we have been their guests so many times that we feel obligated to return their hospitality

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obligated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of obligate

as in compelled

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 obligated

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

Verb

This means structured challenge processes, anonymous concern-raising channels and explicit mandates that directors are obligated to question strategy regardless of personal loyalty to the chair or the CEO. — Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 We are obligated to assist all of those who are harmed in those incidents. — CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 The United States is obligated by law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any armed attack from the mainland. — Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026 Investors will pay close attention to SCA commentary as a window into a portion of future revenues that customers are contractually obligated to pay regardless of market conditions. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 Throughout his opinion, Carter repeatedly described the deferential standard of review judges are obligated to follow under the Federal Arbitration Act. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026 As a state legislator, I am obligated to uphold the laws when we are sworn into office. — Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 Yes, Sarkisian is contractually obligated to perform this duty — TV deals help fund his $11 million salary — as required by his conference’s multibillion-dollar media agreements with the networks that broadcast its games. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 She was not obligated to be so open, but her humility unlocked me. — David Elkowitz, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligated

Adjective

Sanon’s lawyers argue instead that their client, whom prosecutors portray as a deeply indebted man hoping to replace Moïse through a violent overthrow of his government, had nothing to do with the assassination.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
John Rogers Former Federal Reserve official Rogers later acknowledged to investigators that he was deeply indebted to Lee.

— Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of indebted

Verb

That’s an intentional strategy to catch the eye of commuters who might be compelled, on a whim, to stop for a quick game or two.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Yet, C-suites are increasingly tempted (or worse, financially compelled) to govern purely by digital indicators.

— David Farbman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of compelled

Adjective

For all his success over the years, the Dodgers are grateful that Díaz did not insist upon returning as a closer.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
And this column is eternally grateful for his help in getting us through another day of quadrupleheader weirdness and wildness.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of grateful

Verb

Doe alleges in her lawsuit that she was coerced into using drugs before the assault.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
They were coerced into signing a non-disclosure agreement that prevented them from ever exposing the details of what happened, and at whose hands.

— Gretchen Carlson, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of coerced

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“Obligated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligated. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligated

adjective

verb

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