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 Germany, obliged by history to demilitarize, but conscious that this posture has run its course, almost certainly holds the key to any such transformation. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 8 May 2025 However, although most popes select a predecessor's name, they are not obliged to do so. Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025 Huawei’s networks carry valuable data, which the company is obliged under Chinese intelligence laws to provide at the government’s request. Anne Neuberger, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 The United States doesn't formally recognize Taiwan's statehood but is obliged to supply the island with defensive arms under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • High ceilings will accommodate the potential use of aerial drones, and the flooring will be treated with Electrostatic Discharge protection to prevent harmful static buildup between sensitive electronics and robots.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
  • Instead of buying an ebike and having to charge its battery at home or carry a charger around to top-up at an accommodating cafe, Yamaha set up ENYRING to offer a battery swap alternative.
    Paul Ridden May 16, New Atlas, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • From the kickoff of their campaigns, candidates would be compelled to reach out to all voters and not just play to the base.
    John Avlon, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
  • More news: Former MLB Outfielder, World Series Series Champion, Dies From Brain Injury Unfortunately, Hendriks was compelled to issue a warning Thursday to to fans who have threatened his and his wife's life on social media.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • In his dealings with Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin has tried to appease the U.S. president by appearing to negotiate peace, but without offering any meaningful concessions to Kyiv.
    Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • If there are no significant changes to the front office and coaching staff after the 2025 season, then Black will be the fall guy for a team that had to do something to appease the fans.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Carter argued his confession was coerced, and the witnesses, two immigrants without legal status, later said police and prosecutors had pressured them to falsely implicate Carter.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The ensuing conflict between them takes an abrupt turn into a hotel-room two-hander as Anima fastens Abel to a bed and coerces him into confronting his feelings by playing his own music to him and dispensing shallow insights about how his songs’ upbeat melodies belie their cry-for-help content.
    Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • At first, caring for her mom meant reminding her to turn off the stove after cooking and assisting with the laundry.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Indiana leads the postseason in 2-point shooting (56.5 percent), 3-point shooting (40.6 percent) and assisted buckets (29.7 per game).
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Fans are forced to watch that terrifying accident all over again — knowing exactly what's about to happen.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Tennessee needs a good weekend to help its case to host a regional when the NCAA Tournament begins.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
  • By continuously observing and analyzing these data, these systems generate personalized interventions designed to help users manage times of mental strain.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Tesla ends up below $200: You’ll be obligated to buy 100 shares at $200.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Under Reed’s contract, the district appears obligated to pay her about $32,000 or $800 a day from her February hiring date to June 30, the contract termination date.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oblige

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