sense of obligation
noun phrase
: a feeling that something is the right thing to do
We visited them out of a sense of obligation.
Examples of sense of obligation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, the growing sense of obligation seems to have drained the joy out of the tradition.
—
Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
In a world without rising powers, the United States is becoming a rogue superpower, with little sense of obligation beyond itself.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
In the first instance, there is a sense of obligation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Other motives behind sacrifice included improving relationship quality, personal growth or a sense of obligation (more often mentioned by men).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
There's also a sense of obligation to keep going — even when things are tough — for our staff and for our community.
—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
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Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
In a world without rising powers, the United States is becoming a rogue superpower, with little sense of obligation beyond itself.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
In the first instance, there is a sense of obligation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Other motives behind sacrifice included improving relationship quality, personal growth or a sense of obligation (more often mentioned by men).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
There's also a sense of obligation to keep going — even when things are tough — for our staff and for our community.
—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sense of obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sense%20of%20obligation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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