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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
By renaming the Center — in violation of the law — Defendants have breached the terms of the trust and their most basic fiduciary obligations as trustees.
—
Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
But one of the biggest reasons for Gen Z’s declining creditworthiness is that more young Americans are missing deadlines to make loan payments, specifically their student loan obligations, according to the FICO report.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Unlike other religious traditions at the foundation of Western culture, Judaism had long emphasized the obligation to care for the poor, the needy, the outcast, and the oppressed.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
The bill would also bar KSU from entering into any financial obligations or pursue any costs over $5,000 without prior approval from the Council of Postsecondary Education.
—Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
But one of the biggest reasons for Gen Z’s declining creditworthiness is that more young Americans are missing deadlines to make loan payments, specifically their student loan obligations, according to the FICO report.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Unlike other religious traditions at the foundation of Western culture, Judaism had long emphasized the obligation to care for the poor, the needy, the outcast, and the oppressed.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
The bill would also bar KSU from entering into any financial obligations or pursue any costs over $5,000 without prior approval from the Council of Postsecondary Education.
—Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
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But the document suggests Florida agencies have been assigned more funding than those in any other state through the federal 287(g) program — a controversial initiative that deputizes local officers to carry out limited immigration enforcement duties.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Also not required to have a license are Illinois residents who are on active military duty who are home on leave.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Critics of these no tax increase bonds argue that instead of the debt having an end date when it will be paid off, taxpayers have to chip away at debt for a longer length of time.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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More than 7 million student loan borrowers who have been enrolled in a Biden-era repayment plan will receive notices beginning Friday with instructions to seek a new plan to repay their debt, the Education Department said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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All expenses on receipt and use of prize are the sole responsibility of winner.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Ecuador has denied responsibility for the bomb.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The shelter held a 'Mutt Madness' event on Saturday to help, but there remains a huge need for larger breeds to find homes.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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February 19 – March 20 Small choices ought to honor your current needs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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Eco effort The resort recently partnered with WiseOceans, a global marine conservation and education company, to implement marine conservation programming and further the property’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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