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 The Supreme Court refused to oblige the Justice Department’s request by letting the clock run out until the order expired. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 2 June 2025 Balor obliged until Rollins broke up a pinfall over Sami. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 In a debate with his opponent in late May, Trzaskowski spoke out about the upcoming EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which in theory could oblige Poland to take more refugees from the Middle East and Africa or face penalties. Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 If the Guardians were looking for the slider this time, Soriano didn’t oblige. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • Many offshore banks can accommodate multiple currencies, enhancing diversification and your ability to take advantage of fluctuating currency markets.
    Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The round table is 14 feet in diameter to accommodate all the players.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • In a conversation with Harvard Business School, Sam Altman observes that the rise of AI will compel us to rethink jobs and society.
    Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The growth indicates that viewers felt compelled to watch sooner rather than later in order to participate in the public discourse about the show.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • It was changed at the final hour to move up the start date for work requirements from 2029 to 2026 to appease hard-liners who threatened to withhold their votes and imperil the bill’s passage.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Tiller is set to release albums in back-to-back years for the first time in his career, as fans’ appetites will be appeased.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Defense attorneys for the juvenile defendants, Matthew Niemiec and Mark Grier, said the suspects were coerced into the alleged crime.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • Scammers often ask for money or coerce their victims into performing harmful acts.
    Nicole Valdes, CBS News, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • That season, Saber rewrote the SFC record books, setting single-season marks in goals (160), assists (102), and steals (158).
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • Tarrant deputies were dispatched to assist Parker County emergency services with a rescue attempt in the 12000 block of Aledo Road at about 5:15 p.m. Friday, according to a statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite Anna’s meticulous preparations, her intent to force confessions from the passengers and deliver them directly to authorities is immediately derailed when just hours into the trip one of her guests is murdered.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Whether that’s a trial site, a community center or the patient’s workplace, this model removes friction from both ends: Participants aren’t forced to travel, and sponsors don’t have to wait for overwhelmed sites to come online.
    Sonali Bloom, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Even without White, the trio has helped the Fever climb back to .500, as Indiana defeated Chicago, 79-52, in the first WNBA game played at the United Center with a Sky-record 19,496 in attendance.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • That support may have helped secure Trump’s narrow path to reelection.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • The county has also received a $7 million federal grant, which must be obligated in 2026, Theodore said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oblige

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