obliged 1 of 2

1
as in obligated
being under obligation for a favor or gift my new neighbor gave me a Christmas present, and now I feel obliged to reciprocate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

obliged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of oblige

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 obliged
Verb
Amazon has previously told Sourcing Journal that, at this juncture, it has not been legally obliged to serve as a joint employer for the workers the Teamsters have brought issues over. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 Democratic State Senator Ben Allen, who sponsored the bill, and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara initially pushed for insurers to be obliged to pay out 100 percent of an owner’s personal property coverage limit, but the bill was amended after pushback from the industry. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 Many were obliged to exit the Russian market and unravel complex supply chains, resulting in losses amounting to billions of dollars. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 In South Florida, plenty of protesters obliged. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 When a fiction writer writes fiction, they’re obliged to announce it as such. Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 For 14 years, and three different locations, Babette has obliged Berkeley diners with its creative-yet-comforting farm-to-table cuisine. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 And the Broncos have already obliged them with two in this game. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025 The first time Smyth needed money, Walton obliged and loaned her $4k. Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
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
Adjective
  • During his postgame news conference, Napier had a thankful message for the crowd, thanking them for making a positive impact on his players on the field.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The idea is that Arj will see how superficial and shallow the good life really is, and be far more thankful for his own meager existence.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Yet there also were visible moments where Gordon’s explosion, the hops that spoiled and delighted us, didn’t look the same.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
  • While many dogs can jump onto the couch with ease (and take up far more space than necessary), a two-legged canine has delighted internet viewers with her unusual way of getting comfy.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • More military clashes occurred in 1503 and 1504, and these saw numerous chiefs captured, assigned to Spanish settlers, and compelled to labor in the construction of towns.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Some even felt compelled to try the handshake themselves.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While immensely kind and appreciative to Marie, Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas) and the gang for helping free him from a decades-long nightmare, Doug was not long for this world.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Salguero said the tenant was beyond appreciative for the help.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That was a game that, upon reflection, disappointed us with the result but extremely pleased us with the performance.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But Moyes will be pleased by the impact made by his substitutes against Palace, Alcaraz chief among them.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Follow what feels fun and freeing, not forced.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • In 2021, the state implemented several new and stricter penalties for hazing after 19-year-old Timothy Piazza, a New Jersey resident, died after being forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol while attending Penn State University.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Gausman was grateful for the opportunity to perform in front of a raucous crowd at the Rogers Centre, and knows this fight is far from finished.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Justin's super grateful for his fans.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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