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
  • Each block is meant to accommodate a building with ground-floor storefronts topped by either residential units or office space and each with its own parking structure.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Bleacher capacity will increase from 1,886 people to 2,750 to accommodate larger crowds for football games, future graduation ceremonies and band competitions.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 28 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
  • Officials allege Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker, assisted the inmates in the escape, shutting off water to a toilet and sink inside a cell that were later ripped out by the inmates who then escaped through the hole in the wall, according to USA Today, BBC, and CBS News.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Speechless in Idaho Dear Speechless: There is no way to force a bully to stop.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • As the Hall of Fame notes, the group was heavily influenced by Black musician Lesley Riddle, who helped A.P. with songs and taught Maybelle his guitar style.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • As Outside previously reported, this kind of movement helps improve blood flow, increase heart rate, and improve coordination and control.
    Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Last month, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Sony was no longer obligated to provide episodes to CBS, which has served for decades as the conduit, delivering batches of episodes to television stations around the country.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Are the writer’s managers, who’re also producers on the movie, obligated to disclose the bump and renegotiate their client’s pay?
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oblige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblige. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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