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 Much to Kemper's delight, Nuñez obliges, recreating his iconic scene in the movie, which also starred Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, and Betty White. EW.com, 14 May 2025 The war also obliged Pizzaballa to respond to immediate, existential angst about the very question of a shared humanity. Noga Tarnopolsky, CNN Money, 6 May 2025 So in Game 6, when VanVleet demanded the ball, early and often, his teammates obliged. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025 So Kelley, co-showrunner John-Henry Butterworth, and Kidman, who plays the enigmatic Russian wellness guru kindly obliged, serving up nine brand new strangers and plenty more drama in a wintry, idyllic retreat. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 May 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
  • The traditional nine-to-five is giving way to more fluid arrangements that accommodate life’s natural ebbs and flows, from parenting responsibilities to personal wellbeing.
    John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 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
  • The alleged kidnappers shocked the victim with electric wires, held him upside down from the top of a staircase, cut his leg with a saw and threatened to kill his family in a bid to coerce their Italian hostage to unlock his Bitcoin account, prosecutors said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Swat is coerced into taking on the role or finally getting legal comeuppances for all of his misdeeds and ends up taking on solving the mystery of a series of disappearances plaguing Echo city.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue and Italy's Carabinieri (a military organization similar to the police) all assisted in the recovery efforts.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Aurora Police Department, Aurora Township Fire Department and Kane County Drone Team assisted the Kane County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the incident, per the release.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • That gives you a puncher’s chance against a team that runs on makes and misses and forces defensive miscues by sheer virtue of its pace of play.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Set in the winter of 1591, the play unfolds across three clandestine meetings where the rival playwrights are forced into creative collaboration amid a climate of conspiracy and paranoia.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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