Synonyms for

Obliged

Verb / ʌˈblaɪdʒd / Another word for obliged — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to be required or expected to do something, or to do something as a favor

Synonyms & similar words

bind dutybound accommodate disoblige hold compel oblige obligate required forced compelled mandated bound expected obedient duty-bound beholden indebted grateful thankful appreciative willing pleased happy content satisfied fulfilled gratified

Synonyms by register

Formal

compelled required bound beholden

Informal

gotta have to supposed to indebted

Literary

beholden indebted constrained

Antonyms

free unrestricted optional voluntary uncompelled unbound

Common collocations

  • obliged to do
  • feel obliged to
  • obliged to help
  • obliged to say
  • obliged to attend
  • obliged to return
  • obliged to you

Word family

noun obligation
verb oblige
adjective obligatory
adverb obligingly

Usage note

Often used in the passive voice, e.g., 'I was obliged to leave.' Can sometimes sound a bit formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech, where 'have to' or 'need to' might be preferred.

Example sentences

  1. I am obliged to clean my room before playing with my toys.
  2. Mom obliged and made my favorite dinner tonight.
  3. The teacher obliged the students by giving them extra time to finish their homework.
  4. He felt obliged to help his neighbor carry groceries.
  5. I am obliged to follow the rules of the school.

Quotes

  • "I am deeply obliged to you." - Jane Austen
  • "I am obliged to confess I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University." - William F. Buckley, Jr.
  • "I am obliged to believe certain opinions myself. No man's belief will save me except my own." - Anthony Trollope

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