Synonyms for ought

Grammar : Noun, verb

Spell : awt

Phonetic Transcription : ɔt

Top 10 synonyms for ought

Other synonyms for the word ought

Définition of ought

Origin : Old English ahte "owned, possessed," past tense of agan "to own, possess, owe" (see owe). As a past tense of owe, it shared in that word's evolution and meant at times in Middle English "possessed" and "under obligation to pay." It has been detached from owe since 17c., though he aught me ten pounds is recorded as active in East Anglian dialect from c.1825. As an auxiliary verb expressing duty or obligation (late 12c., the main modern use), it represents the past subjunctive.

As in must : noun necessity, essential
As in need : noun want, requirement
As in obligation : noun responsibility
As in zero : noun nothing
As in charge : noun burden
As in commitment : noun assurance; obligation
As in duty : noun responsibility, assignment
As in have : verb endure, bear

Example sentences :

I know that I have spoken of him as I ought not to have spoken.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

He decided he ought to think more about what he was doing and what he should do.
Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

And yet there ought to be so much to do here; it's all so fresh and roomy and jolly.
Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

I ought to be supple enough after the practice of these three days.
Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge

But all the while, the days grew shorter and the nights were colder than they ought to have been.
Extract from : « Ancient Man » by Hendrik Willem van Loon

But if this goes on, it is the gentlemen who ought to withdraw.
Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson

If any exist they ought to be ascertained and guarded against.
Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various

Wealth is not inimical to welfare; it ought to be its friendliest agency.
Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various

So, Miss, if you have a real value for your reputation, shew it as you ought.
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

While this great man lives, he ought to be supreme in the affairs of his country.
Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various

Antonyms for ought

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019