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
Life in this new world comes with its own struggles and demands and obligations, yet without the divisions and distinctions that trapped them within the ship.
—
Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
While still finding herself post-birth and managing obligations as a single mom and artist, Halle beautifully relates to other women facing similar battles.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 20 June 2025
The lone perfect pairing of character and performance is Damson Idris as the upstart driver Joshua Pearce, his blankness not empty, but rather a state of constant tension between internal and external obligations.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency has declared that Iran is non-compliant with its nuclear obligations in a key vote.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
While still finding herself post-birth and managing obligations as a single mom and artist, Halle beautifully relates to other women facing similar battles.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 20 June 2025
The lone perfect pairing of character and performance is Damson Idris as the upstart driver Joshua Pearce, his blankness not empty, but rather a state of constant tension between internal and external obligations.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency has declared that Iran is non-compliant with its nuclear obligations in a key vote.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Trump has set a July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, but trade talks have run into obstacles including discussions over duties on farm goods, steel and car parts.—
Jennifer Cunningham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Meanwhile, legislation that would add trillions of dollars to fiscal deficits is advancing in Congress, stirring more anxiety among foreign investors, especially those who hold U.S. debt.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
28 June 2025
-
As pension debt ballooned along with the proportion of the city’s budget (slowly) dedicated to funding pension systems and as property taxes rose, observers began taking more notice.—
Jennifer Hochschild,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The price tag attached to its capabilities could be tweaked at that point, potentially providing some breathing room for the lowest spenders Washington has been pushing for an unprecedented defense expenditure increase, arguing that European allies must take responsibility for their own security.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
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The life skills that come from the responsibility of driving, such as decision-making and time management, will benefit teens throughout their lifetime.—
Selika Josiah Talbott,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Breslow addressed three areas of need in starting pitching, bullpen help and another bat for the lineup.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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So does the rage that accompanies it, and the need to not just forget the past but the temptation to erase yourself from the present.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
And the software vendor demonstrated a commitment to innovate.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The partnership was formed through equal equity commitments from WMG and Bain Capital.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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