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
In all but three cases, Biden obliged. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024 Last, but not least, as the host of a party you are never obliged to serve a wine that a guest has brought. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliged
Adjective
  • While the owner is thankful for Frank's selfless act of caring for her bestie's babies, the house isn't the same without Thunder.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Payton McNabb reflects on Trump's promise to protect women's sports: 'Incredibly thankful' Former high school athlete Payton McNabb joins 'America's Newsroom' after attending President Donald Trump's address as his guest to discuss his vow to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 5 Mar. 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
  • The two put on a striking battle over three rounds in front of an appreciative crowd in London that evening.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being publicly humiliated on television by President Trump at the White House for not being sufficiently appreciative of U.S. aid.
    Bob Rawitch, Orange County Register, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But my husband is just grateful Bob hasn’t forgotten us.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Trump halted aid for two weeks after a disastrous Oval Office press conference on Feb. 28, during which he and Vice President J.D. Vance berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for purportedly being insufficiently grateful for past U.S. aid to Ukraine.
    David Axe, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Amtrak will waive additional charges for customers who change their reservation, and most customers were accommodated on other trains, according to a spokesperson.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Neurodiversity will be better accommodated at work Half of neurodivergent employees want to quit their jobs, or already have, due to not being supported by their employer.
    Sally Percy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Ratcliffe’s defenders say that his role as the DNI obligated him to speak up, even if that meant straying into red-hot political topics.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Starting in 2028, all businesses in Germany will be obligated to issue electronic invoices.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • What seems certain is that both the club and player will be glad when the summer transfer window opens and AC Milan can part ways with Theo Hernández with the two parties clearly needing a fresh start.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Marian coach Dan Murray knows his team survived an off shooting night but was glad the Spartans could still win against the Celtics.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Chamberlain was a British prime minister who appeased Nazi Germany during its rise.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024
  • In some eerie festivals, the dead who return from the other side are to be feared, avoided or appeased to stop them from doing harm to the living.
    Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Obliged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliged. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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