Synonyms for oblige
əˈblaɪdʒoblige

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.8 / 6 votes

1. oblige

   Binding is primarily by something flexible, as a cord or bandage drawn closely around an object or group of objects, as when we bind up a wounded limb. We bind a sheaf of wheat with a cord; we tie the cord in a knot; we fasten by any means that will make things hold together, as a board by nails, or a door by a lock. The verbs tie and fasten are scarcely used in the figurative sense, tho, using the noun, we speak of the ties of affection. Bind has an extensive figurative use. One is bound by conscience or honor; he is obliged by some imperious necessity; engaged by his own promise; compelled by physical force or its moral equivalent.

   Synonyms:
   bind, compel, engage, fasten, fetter, fix, restrain, restrict, secure, shackle, tie

   Antonyms:
   free, loose, set free, unbind, unfasten, unloose, untie

   Preposition:
   Bind to a pillar; unto an altar; to a service; bind one with chains or in chains; one is bound by a contract; a splint is bound upon a limb; the arms may be bound to the sides or behind the back; bind a wreath about, around, or round the head; twigs are bound in or into fagots; for military purposes, they are bound at both ends and in the middle; one is bound by a contract, or bound under a penalty to fulfil a contract.

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. oblige

   Synonyms:
   compel, coerce, necessitate, force, benefit, favor, accommodate, gratify, bind, constrain

   Antonyms:
   release, acquit, induce, persuade, annoy, disoblige

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. compel, oblige, obligateverb

   force somebody to do something

   "We compel all students to fill out this form"

   Synonyms:
   accommodate, bind, obligate, compel, hold

   Antonyms:
   disoblige

2. oblige, bind, hold, obligateverb

   bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted

   "He's held by a contract"; "I'll hold you by your promise"

   Synonyms:
   accommodate, book, attach, tie up, bond, view as, support, hold back, bandage, defend, take hold, bind, carry, deem, truss, hold up, arrest, hold, adjudge, guard, take, have, concord, check, make, stick, take for, go for, throw, defy, control, harbor, keep, apply, obligate, give, hold fast, entertain, concur, nurse, curb, constipate, moderate, tie down, stick to, have got, restrain, obtain, withstand, agree, sustain, halt, harbour, tie, maintain, confine, contain, keep back, retain, prevail, reserve, admit, compel, hold in, declare, adhere, bear

   Antonyms:
   disoblige

3. oblige, accommodateverb

   provide a service or favor for someone

   "We had to oblige him"

   Synonyms:
   admit, adapt, lodge, compel, fit, suit, accommodate, obligate, conciliate, hold, reconcile, bind

   Antonyms:
   disoblige

Matched Categories

1. • Cause
   • Comply

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. obligeverb

   Synonyms:
   compel, force, coerce, constrain

2. obligeverb

   Synonyms:
   serve, accommodate, please, favor, gratify, do a service for, do a favor to

3. obligeverb

   Synonyms:
   OBLIGATE, bind, bring under obligation

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. obligeverb

   Synonyms:
   constrain, obligate, please, gratify, accommodate, coerce, compel, necessitate, force

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "oblige":

   compel, force, require, obligate, coerce, commit

How to pronounce oblige?

How to say oblige in sign language?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use oblige in a sentence?

1. Brian Michael Jenkins:

   The '70s underscored the emergence of this new mode of political expression, this new mode of armed conflict that demonstrated that small groups with a limited capacity for violence could nonetheless achieve these disproportionate effects, they could cause worldwide alarm, they could oblige governments to devote vast resources to security.

2. Karl Kraus:

   What torture, this life in society! Often someone is obliging enough to offer me a light, and in order to oblige him I have to fish a cigarette out of my pocket.

3. H. G. Wells:

   There is nothing in machinery, there is nothing in embankments and railways and iron bridges and engineering devices to oblige them to be ugly. Ugliness is the measure of imperfection.

4. La Fontaine:

   We must oblige everybody as much as we can; we have often need of assistance from those inferior to ourselves.

5. Baltasar Gracián y Morales:

   To oblige persons often costs little and helps much.