OBLIGE Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

oblige

verb

ə-ˈblīj

Definition of oblige next

as in to accommodate

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compel

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

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

Examples 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 word for the fifth-act climax of risotto—the scene in which the butter (preferably cold, from the fridge) and the Parmesan are brought onstage and obliged to mingle with the other characters—is mantecatura. —

Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 Those who remained are barred from leaving, and obliged to fight, irrespective of their personal wishes. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 The scoreboard operator obliged but restarted the clock after several seconds had elapsed. —

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Surprisingly, Heavenly obliges, showing a rare moment of effort in bridging the divide. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oblige

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblige

Verb

However, Cassidy's friends have been more than accommodating when spending time together.

Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Perle was underwriting it and finally had to rent a hall to accommodate the troops.

CBS News, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025