Synonyms for

Ought

Verb / ɔ:t / Another word for ought — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions

Synonyms & similar words

should must

Synonyms by register

Formal

should be supposed to be expected to

Informal

should gotta supposed to

Literary

must shall

Antonyms

shouldn't must not need not unnecessary optional unobligatory

Common collocations

  • ought to know
  • ought to be
  • ought to have
  • ought to do
  • ought to go
  • ought to remember
  • ought to consider

Word family

verb ought

Usage note

Ought is a modal verb, often used interchangeably with 'should' to express obligation or advisability. It is less common in modern American English than 'should'.

Example sentences

  1. I ought to apologize for being late.
  2. You ought to eat your vegetables if you want to grow big and strong.
  3. We ought to visit our grandparents more often.
  4. She ought to study for her test instead of watching TV.
  5. They ought to be more respectful to their elders.

Quotes

  • You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
  • I ought to have gone to bed earlier last night.
  • We ought to do more to protect our environment.

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