as in forcing
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
Relevance
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 obligating
The unions argue that carrying out permanent layoffs during a funding lapse violates the Antideficiency Act, which bars agencies from obligating funds without congressional authorization, and exceeds executive authority under the Administrative Procedure Act.
—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
This document, signed by a sponsor, is a legally enforceable contract obligating the sponsor to support the immigrant and prevent them from relying on public aid.
—
Daniel Shoer Roth,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
The following year, legislation was passed formally designating these problems as matters of national concern and obligating local governments to implement countermeasures.
—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Killborn said he was told by CBS’ legal team that the segment would implicate an FCC rule obligating stations to offer comparable time to political candidates.
—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
This document, signed by a sponsor, is a legally enforceable contract obligating the sponsor to support the immigrant and prevent them from relying on public aid.
—
Daniel Shoer Roth,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
The following year, legislation was passed formally designating these problems as matters of national concern and obligating local governments to implement countermeasures.
—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Killborn said he was told by CBS’ legal team that the segment would implicate an FCC rule obligating stations to offer comparable time to political candidates.
—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligating
Verb
-
Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
-
California previously faced tens of billions of dollars in budget deficits, forcing painful cuts such as a rollback last year on a promise to provide free healthcare to low-income immigrants without legal status.
Verb
-
Travis Reed, who was a fire captain with the now-defunct Briar Volunteer Fire Department, admitted to coercing a minor into producing child pornography in September, according to a summary of facts in the case.
-
The Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act would prohibit federal agencies and employees from coercing or trying to coerce broadcasters and providers of online services or AI services into changing content.
Verb
-
The surge in chip investment and demand has reignited economic growth and inflation, compelling the Bank of Korea (BOK) to consider aggressive rate hikes.
-
Selaocoe extends that feeling after the song ends by once again compelling the audience to join him in song.
Verb
-
The Swedish parliament on Monday adopted a law obliging public sector workers to report to the police any migrants who are not authorized to live in Sweden.
-
The incident triggered a fire alarm, obliging the entire French delegation — some of whom were still in their pyjamas — to evacuate the building.
Cite this Entry
“Obligating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligating. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
