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 When the ticket came through, despite the oddness, the kitchen staff obliged. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 The Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to oblige the governor’s request. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2025 But when Cadence refuses to oblige Harris, the patriarch remains tight-lipped to maintain the family’s shiny reputation, in true Sinclair fashion. Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025 Surveillance, not least of millions of Palestinians under occupation (and obliged to use Israeli phone systems), generated startups like the spyware firm NSO Group, which soon found clients in the Arab regimes. Karl Vick, Time, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • There is no requirement under HB 46, or any prior Texas law, for employers to accommodate the use of medical marijuana.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Guests with food allergies or dietary concerns are accommodated, too.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • That compels people to shell out somewhere between $2,500 and $3,000 for courtside seats for a summer league game, as people did Thursday.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • So she still feels compelled to speak up for these fellow children of God.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The courtroom was so overcrowded at one point that town officials warned the building might collapse, prompting the judge to set up a temporary court outside to appease the masses.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
  • In the marathon overnight session that spanned more than 24 hours, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his team made several eleventh-hour changes to appease holdouts like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who had expressed concerns about the bill’s cuts to social safety net programs.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • One of the former detectives Dillard accused of helping harass and coerce a witness into testifying was among the Wolverines.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
  • In the end, the evidence came down to how coerced the female victims were.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Some 75% of all global deliveries are now assisted in some way by robots, the company said.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Among those assisting are search teams and emergency crews from Mexico, who have joined overwhelmed local responders in searching for the missing and helping clean up devastated communities.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Farmland and ranch properties, typically large and illiquid assets, have historically forced family sales to cover estate tax obligations.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Initially, the plant’s staff was overwhelmed, forcing Motorola to briefly backtrack on its promise to deliver phones to customers within four days.
    Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Cameron often brings an interior designer along to help clients make the best paint selections – both inside and out.
    Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The site, which has a runway long enough to rival what’s available at Miami International Airport, could also help ramp up deportation flights.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Judges are not obligated to consider amicus briefs since they are submitted by non-parties.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2025
  • The family told the local station that doctors allegedly said they were legally obligated to keep Smith on life support until the fetus was viable.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oblige

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