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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
And then there was the bittersweet release from social obligations (especially those multi-state road trips to visit distant family), a change which amounted to extra weeks built into the year.
—
Dan Leach
july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
That may result in dual obligation of the developer and the city.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Proving to be a very complex TV project to put together between series creator Bill Lawrence’s obligations under his exclusive overall deal with Warner Bros TV and securing the cast, dealmaking has been stretching on for months.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 July 2025
And since state law makes that pension payment the city’s obligation, CPS wasn’t required to pony up.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Dan Leach
july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
That may result in dual obligation of the developer and the city.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Proving to be a very complex TV project to put together between series creator Bill Lawrence’s obligations under his exclusive overall deal with Warner Bros TV and securing the cast, dealmaking has been stretching on for months.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 July 2025
And since state law makes that pension payment the city’s obligation, CPS wasn’t required to pony up.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
After swindling his way into loads of cash, Yoshii gradually attempts to disconnect from humanity, moving out of the city, shunning his girlfriend, and entrusting duties to his new, devoted assistant.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Office completions in 2024 fell to their lowest share of inventory since 2012 and are set to slow further, reflecting high vacancy rates, rising debt and construction costs, and falling office values.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
-
As revenue per barrel fell, U.S. operators shifted strategy: instead of expanding output, many are funneling profits into stock buybacks, dividends, and debt reduction.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
For the generation currently between 13 and 28 years old, better known as Gen-Z, Trump’s policy bill represents a shift in retirement policy that places more responsibility on the individual.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
-
But the water that none of us can live without is everyday kindness and responsibility.—
Pico Iyer,
Time,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
An argument long debated in the courts is whether air conditioning goes beyond basic needs, since everyday citizens aren't guaranteed air conditioning in their homes.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
9 July 2025
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During what might have been the committee’s final meeting last week, Samantha Karn, corporation counsel for the city, emphasized the need for a consistent process in determining which events are supported by the city and how much support is lent.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
The State Department did not respond to requests by ABC News for the current data on its assistance commitments to Sudan after foreign aid freezes and layoffs.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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