obligated 1 of 2

as in obliged
being under obligation for a favor or gift we have been their guests so many times that we feel obligated to return their hospitality

Synonyms & Similar Words

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obligated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of obligate

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 obligated
Verb
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 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 Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself against a possible attack by China. Wayne Chang, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025 Again, not because they’re legally obligated to. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 The trustee is a fiduciary who is obligated to manage the trust property solely in the interests of the beneficiaries and consistent with the trust agreement and the law. Bob Carlson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to field sobriety tests, pre-arrest breath tests or cheek swabs at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025 That means the government is obligated to pay rent on the property through 2030, Kji Kelly, Historic Seattle's executive director, told Axios. Melissa Santos, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 Whether Hill is obligated by law to keep his window rolled down as the officer demanded, is questionable, say legal experts. Charles Rabin and, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligated
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
  • Although Pemex has had a number of upstream successes over the decades, it has often been hampered by political decisions and the government’s excess taxation that left the company heavily indebted.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Gone were the light acoustic drums and Fender Rhodes, in were catchy choruses and edgy melodies, songs rooted in soul yet equally indebted to rap.
    Marcus J. Moore, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And today, even more grateful to have taken this one with my daughter.
    Melody Chiu, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • The fans The Athletic spoke to were sad that Amorim left, perhaps bitter for a few days, but also grateful.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Willard obliged, giving the soon-to-be NBA draft pick the team’s final shot.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Whether the head coach truly obliged Fudd’s request remains a point of contention.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Trending Here was a child who used the sun of muggy summers to illuminate a dim Game Boy screen, beholden only to the rule of cool.
    Geoffrey Bunting, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024
  • The growing reliance on federal Medicaid-expansion dollars creates a dangerous cycle in which states become increasingly beholden ...
    Gary D. Alexander, National Review, 22 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Obligated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligated. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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