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 Other European businesses, without U.S. links, are obliged to follow European DEI regulations, and appear to be doing so. Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Mar. 2025 While homeowners' and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudslides, and debris flow, insurers are obliged to cover such losses if they are directly or indirectly caused by a recent wildfire or another peril covered by the applicable insurance policy. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 The coach obliged and eventually offered Schrader a spot on the team as a walk-on. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025 If Trump were to order an invasion of Greenland this could theoretically trigger a war with the rest of NATO, as the defense alliance's Article 5 obliges members to come to the assistance of any member state that is attacked. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oblige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige
Verb
  • Padilla said officials recognized the need and have planned for equipment to be shipped to accommodate private attorney calls.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article Solana Beach has issued permits for 178 out of 875 housing units that the city needs to accommodate as part of the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, but none yet for very low income units, according to an annual update at the March 26 City Council meeting.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its methodologies compel leaders and their teams to rigorously examine their most fundamental beliefs, anticipate disruptive scenarios, and prepare adaptive responses.
    Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Yet tennis’ relative gender equality compared with other sports may compel us to overlook the unacceptable disparities that still persist.
    Gavriella Epstein-Lightman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So while some of his Democratic colleagues are focused on the careful messaging needed to appease swing voters or keep their purple seats, Auchincloss, 37, is fixated on the broader question facing his party: what are the big ideas that Democrats can offer the American people?
    Charlotte Alter, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
  • As a result, its decrees have too often been at odds with the best interests of both wildlife and the general public, instead skewing to appease special interests like vocal hunting groups or the building industry.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • She was sentenced in federal court in Boston to four years in prison for charges of coercing people to engage in prostitution and money laundering conspiracy.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Experts say this is a potentially serious counterintelligence problem that could allow foreign intelligence services to gain insight into a target’s social network or even identify individuals who could be paid or coerced to act against them.
    Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration has separately directed the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which investigate domestic and international terrorist threats, to assist in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
    Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • However, a continued lack of transparency about these complications highlights the importance of efforts underway to force the State Department into compliance with its own mandate to assist the allies who supported our Afghanistan operations.
    Beth Bailey, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Her story forced the country to confront a flawed legal system and the cultural discomfort with women who challenged it.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • He was told that his academic suspension could cause his visa to be revoked, forcing him to leave the US.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Federal programs enacted during the Biden Administration, like the Inflation Reduction Act, have helped boost the country’s advanced manufacturing footprint.
    Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Please help show my baby that other badass women are out there!
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Is he contractually obligated to win all the fights?
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The payment to the city needs to be fulfilled by March 30, when the city is obligated to close its books for the year.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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