1
as in responsibilities
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in debts
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obligations
The 2012 nationalization of Argentina's largest energy company, further damaged Argentina’s international standing by reinforcing its history of abandoning its global financial obligations.
—
ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Netflix and Disney+ consider investment obligations imposed by Wallonia-Brussels as disproportionate, given the size of the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
The transposition of the directive into law across the EU has seen some territories impose obligations around investment in local productions, as well as introduce clauses to protect producer independence and ring-fence rights.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
HOAs are responsible for maintaining common areas and funding these obligations through assessments collected from homeowners.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 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
In response to an NPR question about the Treasury move, a senior Education Department official acknowledged that the Treasury Department cannot fully assume all the Education Department's statutory student loan obligations.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Without a fresh infusion of cash, the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to meet its obligations within the decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
However, Canada’s Online Streaming Act disadvantages American companies and undermines competitiveness by requiring streaming companies to subsidize and promote Canadian content over their own productions through discriminatory obligations that Canadian broadcasters do not face.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Netflix and Disney+ consider investment obligations imposed by Wallonia-Brussels as disproportionate, given the size of the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
The transposition of the directive into law across the EU has seen some territories impose obligations around investment in local productions, as well as introduce clauses to protect producer independence and ring-fence rights.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
HOAs are responsible for maintaining common areas and funding these obligations through assessments collected from homeowners.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 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
In response to an NPR question about the Treasury move, a senior Education Department official acknowledged that the Treasury Department cannot fully assume all the Education Department's statutory student loan obligations.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Without a fresh infusion of cash, the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to meet its obligations within the decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
However, Canada’s Online Streaming Act disadvantages American companies and undermines competitiveness by requiring streaming companies to subsidize and promote Canadian content over their own productions through discriminatory obligations that Canadian broadcasters do not face.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations
Noun
-
Along with that, McGinley spoke about the reigning champion's responsibilities during the lead-up to The Masters, which can disrupt one's focus on the actual event.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Keeping anyone in the dark can quickly cause problems, so make sure everyone understands their responsibilities.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Certain debts, such as federal tax debts or student loan debts, may carry broader powers to access funds, even those that are typically protected.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The bill also directs KSU to attempt to collect all debts over $1,000, giving them the right to intercept federal and state income tax refunds.—
Kathryn Muchnick,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the meantime, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are still assisting at airports, with duties like checking identification and helping manage lines.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Mills was absent from Monday’s broadcast, with Gary Davies assuming broadcasting duties.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In a statement, Tether announced that the audit will review Tether’s assets, liabilities, and reserves and be conducted by one of the Big Four—a term that describes Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—but did not specify which one.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In the war with Iran, both are now strategic tools – and liabilities.—
Zulekha Nathoo,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Wellness screenings offer a non-invasive analysis of each guest’s key biomarkers to understand individual needs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
February 19 – March 20 Small choices ought to honor your current needs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This spring, Estévez missed critical time due to his World Baseball Classic commitments.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Malaysia is also considering nuclear energy to power its growing data center industry without abandoning its net-zero commitments.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligations. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
