as in friendly
willing to do a favor
an obliging concierge used her pull to get us reservations at the town's hottest restaurant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in accommodating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in coercing
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obliging
Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Some aspects of the regulations, such as obliging stablecoin issuers to maintain fiat reserves, have been broadly welcomed.
—Sean Lee, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Janet tends to be obliging to a fault, even when men give her reason to distrust them.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2024
But Beijing has not been obliging in the way Islamabad had hoped—for example, by providing accelerated loan rollovers and additional financing large enough to offset Pakistan’s debt burden.
—Asfandyar Mir, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for obliging
Adjective
His fans gave him an obliging laugh; a father and son sitting beside me snickered loudly enough to be captured on camera.
—Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Some aspects of the regulations, such as obliging stablecoin issuers to maintain fiat reserves, have been broadly welcomed.
—Sean Lee, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Janet tends to be obliging to a fault, even when men give her reason to distrust them.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2024
But Beijing has not been obliging in the way Islamabad had hoped—for example, by providing accelerated loan rollovers and additional financing large enough to offset Pakistan’s debt burden.
—Asfandyar Mir, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for obliging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliging
Adjective
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The doorman is very friendly and asks if there’s a party going on.—
Devan Díaz,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
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There is a legacy out there of bad harvests and tough winters that by some alchemy brings out the best in people, reminds them to be friendly and kind, and put others first.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The interior is accommodating and attractive.—
Mark Phelan,
Detroit Free Press,
2 Jan. 2025
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The most recent leg up is a direct result of anticipation that the Fed likely will not be as accommodating in 2025 following a full percentage point cut in benchmark borrowing rates since September, according to Michael Darda, chief economist and macrostrategist at Roth Capital Partners.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
Alistair Smout,
USA TODAY,
29 Nov. 2024
-
That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.—
David Hodari,
NBC News,
29 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Representative Mike Lawler of New York, who has hinted at ambitions for a governor bid in 2026, according to the New York Post, will need to walk a fine line between appeasing his party and not upsetting potential voters in his home state, which could put him at odds with Republicans.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
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According to Atlas Obscura, also on Christmas Eve, some families believe in appeasing the nisser—barn-dwelling house elves that are said to help residents survive tough winters—and many children continue to leave a bowl of risengrød, or sweet porridge, for the folkloric creatures.—
Chad de Guzman,
TIME,
18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Turn French toast into a crowd-pleasing casserole in this easy to make casserole that even the kids can help prepare.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Transform olive oil and herbs into a company-pleasing bread dipping oil in five minutes or less.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In reality, the longtime Hollywood star has kept much of her creative focus and interests lately around bringing a healthier and more transparent wine-indulging experience to our world, through her Avaline wine brand.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes,
9 Dec. 2024
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But doing it too much and indulging to much could be a reason to evaluate the motive.—
Tribune Content Agency,
The Mercury News,
14 Oct. 2024
Verb
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The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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The palate is beautifully balanced, smooth, and rich with nutty undertones, while the finish is fabulously elegant, leaving a rich, satisfying sensation.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obliging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliging. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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