OBLIGING Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obliging' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obliging are amiable , complaisant , and good-natured . While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful. // our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

Q: When is it sensible to use 'amiable' instead of 'obliging'?

The words amiable and obliging can be used in similar contexts, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with. // an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

Q: When might 'complaisant' be a better fit than 'obliging'?

While in some cases nearly identical to obliging , complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness. // was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Q: In what contexts can 'good-natured' take the place of 'obliging'?

The meanings of good-natured and obliging largely overlap; however, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon. // a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

obliging 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈblī-jiŋ

Definition of obliging next

as in friendly

willing to do a favor an obliging concierge used her pull to get us reservations at the town's hottest restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

obliging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of oblige

as in accommodating

to do a service or favor for I would appreciate it greatly if you could oblige me by bringing a dessert to the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in coercing

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure I know you're in a hurry, but you can't oblige me to drive any faster than the speed limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obliging distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obliging are amiable, complaisant, and good-natured. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

When is it sensible to use amiable instead of obliging?

The words amiable and obliging can be used in similar contexts, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When might complaisant be a better fit than obliging?

While in some cases nearly identical to obliging, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

In what contexts can good-natured take the place of obliging?

The meanings of good-natured and obliging largely overlap; however, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of obliging

Adjective

Logan, as Wolverine is also known, turns out to be a surprisingly obliging guest, politely observant of his host’s house rules. —

Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 26 July 2024 In other places, the Cold War’s end radically changed the domestic calculus, compelling belligerents to sue for peace because the flow of weapons had been cut off or obliging autocratic rulers to open political space because the support of external powers had faded. —

Judd Devermont, Foreign Affairs, 27 June 2024 Also, this year or next, the Brazilian government may well approve a quota obliging SVOD streaming services to invest in Brazilian independent production. —

John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2024 Beijing wants to move ahead with a broader bilateral relationship with New Delhi, regardless of the status of their border dispute, but the latter has not been obliging. —

Lisa Curtis, Foreign Affairs, 15 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for obliging

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliging

Adjective

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of Tetris, two games are coming to Switch online, accompanied by a friendly message from its creator, Alexey Pajitnov.

Ollie Barder, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Some companies may even be holding off on big changes, hoping a friendlier White House will tilt the scale back in their favor.

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024