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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.

Mr. Broderick, himself a sometime movie star, brings a slyly funny air of noblesse oblige that dovetails amusingly with Jay’s pompous, blinkered dimness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

"It was not an alliance that was designed for one of the allies to go on a war of choice and then oblige everybody else to follow," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

The platform urged the Australian authorities to oblige app stores to check users' ages as an "additional safeguard" for the world-first crackdown.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Venus turns out not to oblige our predispositions.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan