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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
These programs often secure reduced interest rates and fees from creditors and consolidate multiple payments into one monthly obligation.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Of course, what nobody is really talking about is what would happen to this deal if the city should prove unable to meet all of its obligations in the future and the state of Illinois decides to allow some kind of insolvency for its biggest municipality.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Jacque Vaughn left an important group phone call in the visitors’ locker room in order to fulfill media obligations after Kansas’ 75-69 men’s basketball victory over Colorado on Tuesday night at CU Events Center.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
The joint resolution said the country would need to provide a year’s notice of its intention to withdraw, and pay in full its financial obligations for the organization’s current fiscal year.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Of course, what nobody is really talking about is what would happen to this deal if the city should prove unable to meet all of its obligations in the future and the state of Illinois decides to allow some kind of insolvency for its biggest municipality.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Jacque Vaughn left an important group phone call in the visitors’ locker room in order to fulfill media obligations after Kansas’ 75-69 men’s basketball victory over Colorado on Tuesday night at CU Events Center.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
The joint resolution said the country would need to provide a year’s notice of its intention to withdraw, and pay in full its financial obligations for the organization’s current fiscal year.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Local police chiefs have criticized the tactics employed by federal agents and accused agents of racially profiling off-duty police officers.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
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Emerging new informal duty might be for therapists to inform their clients about the ups and downs of using AI for mental health guidance, see my analysis at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But the results speak for themselves as millions of students drown themselves in debt.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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The couple were also dealing with debts after closing their restaurant, Fred’s Downtown Philly, during the COVID pandemic.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The sweeps, in addition to crowd-management responsibilities, are typically dealt with by local police, who often have more experience and training in de-escalating large demonstrations and tamping down civil unrest.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Glenn initially planned to keep Engstrand on staff while reducing his responsibilities, including stripping him of play-calling duties.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The broader context underscores the need for new approaches.—
Mayo Clinic News Network,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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This dual approach — consumer tool plus enterprise solution — reflects a broader strategy to meet the distinct needs of patients and healthcare systems in a regulated environment.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The commitment to sustainability runs deep, according to recent visitors.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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While there are miles of regular season basketball still remaining, Morales is encouraged to see his team’s commitment on defensive – especially from unsung hero Cal Weidman.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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