Synonym Chooser

How is the word oblige different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of oblige are coerce, compel, constrain, and force. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

When would coerce be a good substitute for oblige?

Although the words coerce and oblige have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When might compel be a better fit than oblige?

The words compel and oblige can be used in similar contexts, but compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When can constrain be used instead of oblige?

The meanings of constrain and oblige largely overlap; however, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to oblige?

While the synonyms force and oblige are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

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 oblige His second-best was flinging the ball up and hoping for a pass interference call, which the Buffs (and refs) obliged three times on the Cowboys’ first four third-down tries. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 Lesnar obliged and hit Graves with a second F5. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025 The Cincinnati Bengals star obliged. Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 But the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate obliges them to manage both inflation and unemployment. Drew O'Connor, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • While relocating the U21s and U18s from the main building was a deliberate choice, space has in any case been taken up by open-plan offices to accommodate non-football staff relocated from Old Trafford — a policy instructed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Another feature that’s worth highlighting is the 129 square-foot sleeping loft that can accommodate a bed, small nightstands, floating shelves, and even a houseplant or two.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The rally aimed to compel Starbucks to finalize the collective bargaining contract for improved staffing, shift hours, take-home pay and on-the-job protections for its baristas.
    Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • And yet, today, a few pieces of evidence are compelling us to reconsider this scenario.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Policies supposed to appease farmers destroyed their land and water.
    Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Some speculated that the move was actually to appease the FCC and ensure a smooth merger between Paramount, CBS’s parent company, and Skydance Media.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The judge cited testimony from another former girlfriend, Jane, who said Combs later assaulted her and coerced her into oral sex with an escort.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Questioning earlier medical evidence that the victims suffered brain injuries, the assessment also relied on a controversial study by the National Institutes of Health that was later shut down after an internal review confirmed some patients were coerced to participate.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Under a pending agreement with ICE, the Guard's role enforcing immigration laws could expand to providing additional military personnel to be trained by ICE and deputized into assisting with policing immigration.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Through mutual support agreements with partner agencies, the antenna can also assist NASA, Japan’s JAXA, India’s ISRO, and even commercial space missions, enhancing scientific output and operational efficiency across the board.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But the shot contest forced Sarr to leave the restricted area and gave Mitchell Robinson an easy path for a putback.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Staffing levels to help in emergencies and maintain trash, restrooms, campgrounds and roads are not guaranteed, according to the National Park Service.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In other words, the country’s existing industrial and financial ecosystem often helps nascent industries, benefiting both.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The threat to withhold back pay has angered federal employees, according to Axios which first reported on the memo, and prompted criticisms from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers who insist the government is legally obligated to compensate furloughed workers.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Under military law, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, but to disobey unlawful orders.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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