1
2
as in thankful
feeling or expressing gratitude
I'd be much obliged if you could do me this favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in delighted
to do a service or favor for
I would appreciate it greatly if you could oblige me by bringing a dessert to the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compelled
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
I know you're in a hurry, but you can't oblige me to drive any faster than the speed limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obliged
ABC News,
24 June 2026
His status as the game’s best secure, Messi lifted the trophy in a bisht that had been placed upon him — obliged to share his greatest triumph with the geopolitical forces that had brought the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Bedford Affordable would be obliged to ensure that at least 40% of the units are set aside for low-income residents, documents show.
—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
The Japanese government has obliged.
—
Clay Chandler,
semafor.com,
19 June 2026
Of course, this unc obliged them.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
The landlord would go back to paying the full amount of their property-tax bill but would no longer be obliged to keep the apartments rent-stabilized — after taking care of a few essential steps along the way.
—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
There was a time—not so very long ago—when world leaders felt obliged to lie to us.
—
Rosa Brooks,
Washington Post,
15 June 2026
How the cap would work Should the vote pass, the government would be obliged to pass measures to curb migration in two phases.
—
Sebastian Shukla,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Verb
You are not obliged to use AI for everything.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
His status as the game’s best secure, Messi lifted the trophy in a bisht that had been placed upon him — obliged to share his greatest triumph with the geopolitical forces that had brought the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Bedford Affordable would be obliged to ensure that at least 40% of the units are set aside for low-income residents, documents show.
—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
The Japanese government has obliged.
—
Clay Chandler,
semafor.com,
19 June 2026
Of course, this unc obliged them.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
The landlord would go back to paying the full amount of their property-tax bill but would no longer be obliged to keep the apartments rent-stabilized — after taking care of a few essential steps along the way.
—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
There was a time—not so very long ago—when world leaders felt obliged to lie to us.
—
Rosa Brooks,
Washington Post,
15 June 2026
How the cap would work Should the vote pass, the government would be obliged to pass measures to curb migration in two phases.
—
Sebastian Shukla,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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.
Adjective
-
When Kelsey bravely asks if there’s any part of her that’s now thankful for Jo-Ellen given this new development, Rulla maintains that Jo-Ellen went about it the wrong way.
-
So very thankful that the Lord’s plans always prevail.
Verb
-
The role required an actor fluent in Russian and English, a detail that delighted Kharlamova.
-
Lady Emma Thynn, Martha Lady Sitwell, Mark-Francis Vandelli, Lottie Kane, Missè Beqiri, Kimi Murdoch, Myka Meier and Margo Stilley — most of whom had actually known each other for years — delighted viewers over a 10-episode season.
Verb
-
In May, Jolie scored a victory of her own when Judge Pánuco determined that she was not required to provide Pitt's attorneys with access to 22 unredacted emails after previous rulings compelled her legal team to do so.
-
In the modern admissions process, particularly at selective schools, students are compelled to conflate their self-worth with their ability to package themselves as marketable products.
Adjective
-
Much has changed, but Europeans remain appreciative of the simple and unchanging rhythms of the natural world, including the coming and passing of the season’s longest day.
-
That honor seemed to leave the Blue Jays pitcher both appreciative and somewhat surprised.
Verb
-
Netflix has a new #1 movie in its top 10 list, a romantic comedy that seems to have pleased both critics and audiences alike, far from a sure thing in that genre.
-
Success was whatever pleased him that afternoon.
Verb
-
Extreme heat and dry, windy conditions fueled several wildfires in the West on Sunday, including an uncontained blaze in Utah that forced the evacuation of a small town southwest of Salt Lake City.
-
In 1976, the Bicentennial followed the traumas of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal that had forced President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Adjective
-
Gail Willard is grateful her daughter is remembered by so many.
-
Be grateful for the opportunities America affords to you and yours.
Cite this Entry
“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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