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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 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

Under its articles of incorporation, the Farmers Union board is not obligated to keep shareholders updated on decisions beyond its annual January meeting, according to Andy Waldera, the organization’s legal counsel. — Noah Daly august 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026 But Brand New Day is intensely obligated to Marvel’s unwieldy cinematic universe. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 July 2026 Even Barry Odom, the head coach at Purdue who is near contractually obligated to not say nice things about Indiana, couldn’t help himself to note IU’s success story. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Local government agencies are not obligated to post public records online, with a few exceptions, according to David Loy, legal director at the nonprofit First Amendment Coalition. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 According to court records, Ole Miss claims that LSU denied their request for payment by noting they were not obligated to pay the fees associated with the players. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 The historic Art Deco shops fronting the new hotel along Washington that its developers were obligated to renovate remain fully vacant. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 That means it is not contractually obligated to give up those screens until the Denis Villeneuve film premieres in December. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 July 2026 Congress already wrote the tax laws and taxpayers are already obligated to follow them. — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligated

Adjective

That could put stress on the heavily indebted tech infrastructure builders known as neoclouds, as well as the larger cloud computing hyperscalers.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Other pieces are more indebted to various forms of trance music found around the globe.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026

Definition of indebted

Verb

The government was also compelled to conduct a fresh cultural and environmental impact assessment as well as public participation.

— Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
The Eagles could live with four at this spot, though, and I might be compelled to go with an extra cornerback or wide receiver rather than a fifth linebacker who could clear waivers.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of compelled

Adjective

Sahuque is grateful for how dedicated Lohse is to the kids; Lohse is happy to have a co-parent at all, but especially someone so warm, who has never made their situation feel awkward.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Both owners are especially grateful for the support of the community and their clients, who tend to be mainly women.

— Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of grateful

Verb

In the Netherlands and neighboring Germany cargo ships that ply the Rhine and its offshoots have been forced to carry significantly less freight or risk running aground in shallow navigation channels.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
The fire has also forced evacuations at Spokane’s veterans’ hospital, water reclamation facility and waste-to-energy plant, city officials said.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of forced

Verb

Rollins obliged, leaving his Shield mask in the middle of the ring.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The Development Authority of Fulton County, also known as Develop Fulton, obliged during its Tuesday meeting, unanimously providing preliminary approval for the incentive.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of obliged

Verb

Advocates who filed the lawsuit are concerned that people with disabilities will be steered toward or coerced into using this option.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026
Majorities of Americans are worried about election officials being coerced, lax ballot security, and voter intimidation leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, according to new polling from Gallup.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of coerced

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“Obligated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligated. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligated

adjective

verb

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