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
Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Grok initially refused to put clown makeup on a Jama photo at the request of one user, but when another person said the photo was not of Jama, Grok soon obliged.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
The law banned putting yard waste — roughly one-fifth of municipal wastes — in sanitary landfills in 1990 and obliged local governments to recycle.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
So they, too, could be obliged to raise product prices further, while consumers are already showing price resistance.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Juan did this many mornings, and Lisbeth obliged, handing over her last tamale, tightly wrapped in aluminum foil.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
She is not obliged to check in with you before going away.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Though the man’s killing had been filmed, a fact-checker is obliged to seek comment from any party alleged to have committed a crime.
—Ismail Ibrahim, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
These were gangsters, so they weren’t obliged to couch this any way but direct.
—Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
Diaz obliged, but not before smacking an unlucky onlooker with a wayward first attempt, above.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
Adjective
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The spokesperson did not respond to specific questions including what the legal basis would be for rescinding obligated funding.—
Adjective
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Vigilante and his family lost everything, but were thankful to still have each other.—
-
Dominique was just thankful to have him.—
Verb
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The back-to-back away victories to start 2026, to add to the goalless draw ground out at Ipswich Town in November in the only other league outing missed by Moore this season, understandably left Wrexham manager Parkinson delighted.—
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Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster These two power performers delighted fans with their real-life connection, blending Broadway and movie star appeal into their romance.—
Verb
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Given rising trade tensions and the likely unsustainable strength in the export sector, Beijing might eventually be compelled to ramp up its policy measures significantly.—
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You might be compelled to flirt with the visible lingerie trend or pair a new faux fur coat with tall Uggs.—
Adjective
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When Nuno went onto the pitch at the final whistle, there were some long, appreciative hugs with some of his former players.—
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Sara Gibbs, executive director of Escondido Community Child Development Center, and Danielle Rush, HR director, graciously thanked Saint Helen Philoptochos and were very appreciative for their generous donation which was above and beyond their expectations, the news release stated.—
Verb
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However, a portion of their fanbase likely isn't all that pleased that the organization seems to be essentially giving up on any hopes of turning things around this season by making these moves.—
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That was a game that, upon reflection, disappointed us with the result but extremely pleased us with the performance.—
Verb
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She and other members of both houses and both parties were evacuated for their safety for several hours as rioters forced their way into the Capitol that day.—
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The township, which has raised the possibility it'll be forced into bankruptcy, said its insurer went out of business before the claim arose.—
Adjective
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Nick Ruggiere, another of Goose's rescuers, told 7 News WHDH that the owner and his dog were incredibly grateful for the swift help.—
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Our wallets, lungs, and future generations would be grateful.—
Cite this Entry
“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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