1
as in duty
something one must do because of prior agreement
their financial obligations keep them from giving to charities as much as they would like
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in debt
something (as money) which is owed
I have to pay off my current obligations before I can buy a new car
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
The California Franchise Tax Board mailed Mencia 78 demand notices to his residence during this period, informing him of his obligation to file tax returns and advising him that no returns had been received.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 June 2026
The California Franchise Tax Board mailed Mencia 78 demand notices to his residence during this period, informing him of his obligation to file tax returns and advising him that no returns had been received, Hochman’s office said.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 June 2026
However, there are situations in which a surviving spouse may be legally responsible for some or all of those obligations.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Oracle’s staff reduction (estimates put those affected by layoffs at anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 employees) this spring coincided with the company’s disclosure of $248 billion in future data center lease obligations.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 June 2026
The California Franchise Tax Board mailed Mencia 78 demand notices to his residence during this period, informing him of his obligation to file tax returns and advising him that no returns had been received, Hochman’s office said.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 June 2026
However, there are situations in which a surviving spouse may be legally responsible for some or all of those obligations.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Oracle’s staff reduction (estimates put those affected by layoffs at anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 employees) this spring coincided with the company’s disclosure of $248 billion in future data center lease obligations.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
With a V-neck and button-up front, this top transitions easily from the office to off-duty plans.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
-
Royals manager Matt Quatraro pulled double-duty Thursday.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
African and Caribbean leaders are demanding financial compensation, debt cancellation and formal apologies from countries that benefited from the transatlantic slave trade after adopting a sweeping reparations plan at a conference in Ghana.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2026
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And corporate debt issuance could top $2 trillion by year’s end.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Of course, somewhere so exposed to nature has a responsibility to maintain the beauty of the area.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Most significantly, Lee wants voters to grant the mayor’s office a veto over Oakland City Council decisions and absorb many day-to-day responsibilities of running the city.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
District officials said staffing and budget decisions are made at the school and department level by building and department leaders based on the needs of individual schools and departments.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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Adding urgency to its efforts is the need to stave off any prospect of Reform UK winning a general election.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
This outcome reflects our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts face severe consequences.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
What impressed us most was their commitment to the bit.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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