obliged 1 of 2

1
as in obligated
being under obligation for a favor or gift my new neighbor gave me a Christmas present, and now I feel obliged to reciprocate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

obliged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of oblige

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 obliged
Verb
Willard obliged, giving the soon-to-be NBA draft pick the team’s final shot. Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025 As a non-contract player, Yeovil Town were not obliged to pay anything for him but did offer a small fee. Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 Whether the head coach truly obliged Fudd’s request remains a point of contention. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025 In the feature, when sister Berta is thrown out of her rehab center, sister Alicia, who has forged a comfortable life in the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela, feels obliged to return to Pobra do Caramiñal, where she was born. Jamie Lang, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 And don't feel obliged to buy a matching set. Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025 Most currencies are obliged to settle on a T+2 basis—meaning transactions can take up to two full days to clear. Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Under the contract with Miami-Dade, unpaid violations can be sold to a collection agency with the district obliged to assist in collection. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 After being made to feel guilty for not paying her any attention, the owners felt obliged to continue their game of fetch and entertain the feline, who is clearly a brilliant actress. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
Adjective
  • To those of us who have devoted our lives and taken risks for non-violence, those in complicity with decisions to cut library funding and remove books should be thankful.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Despite his split with Stewart, Anderson remains thankful for his family.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The bipartisan vote for release marks a significant shift, as Republicans in the full House had previously blocked two Democratic resolutions that would have compelled the report's release.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Without China making the first move, Chinese firms will be compelled by genuine market forces rather than often heavy-handed and inefficient state mandates to realize Xi’s vision.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Those fielding ground balls and turning double plays on the new infield are appreciative of not only the results to date, but the effort of Moeller, head groundskeeper Mike Deubel and the rest of the crew.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Not everyone is appreciative of the government actions.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • No matter the actual number, Taylor now 77, is grateful his career stretches across so many decades.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • So grateful for the cast, crew and studio for their confidence and indulgence.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Large animals are being accommodated at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • However, after more than two seasons, Adams asked to be traded last September, and the Raiders eventually accommodated his request.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While Gastineau suggests the omission of his alleged handshake with Favre alters the analysis, a film company isn’t obligated to show the entirety of an event.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But negative guidance from the CDC may affect insurance coverage because insurers are only obligated to cover vaccines that have been recommended by the agency.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The industry is surely glad to hear that the FDA, at least right now, is not implementing a ban for common dyes such as Yellow 5.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • While glad for not having off-the-field troubles as a young player, Kelce shared a piece of advice for young players: Find a life balance.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One person who knows both sides well wonders if the NBA might risk a lawsuit if Dolan is not appeased in some way, or if MSG Networks goes bankrupt.
    Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Many people have been comparing the Munich conference to 1938, saying Putin was being appeased, because Munich was also the site of appeasement of Hitler.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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