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Definitions

oblige

[uh-blahyj] / əˈblaɪdʒ /
VERB
require
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bind compel constrain impel obligate
STRONG
coerce command force make necessitate
WEAK
shotgun
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delay free release
WEAK
be mean let off
VERB
do a favor or kindness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accommodate gratify please
STRONG
aid assist avail benefit contribute favor help indulge profit serve
WEAK
bend over backward come around convenience don't make waves fill the bill fit in go fifty-fifty grin and bear it make a deal make room meet halfway put oneself out roll with it swim with the tide take it toe the mark
Antonyms
STRONGEST
annoy disturb frustrate upset
STRONG
block counteract harm hinder hurt injure obstruct stop take thwart
WEAK
be mean let off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Galleries are also closing and downsizing, and films that don’t oblige the content farm aren’t solicited as readily as influencer-helmed or easily digestible projects that can be played as background noise for scrolling.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Sane, an energy company executive, says he was happy to oblige.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Many assume accommodation will be available if they want it, and many therapists oblige.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Before the end of the year, Pham hopes to rationalize conflicting rules that now oblige traders to put up more collateral than needed to secure margin loans.

From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025

Of course the boys wanted to hear what had happened, and Kate was happy to oblige them.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.