1
as in blame
the state of being held as the cause of something that needs to be set right
responsibility for the accident lies with the driver who was speeding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
I had the responsibility of closing up the shop at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reliability
worthiness as the recipient of another's trust or confidence
the newspaper publisher should hire kids of greater responsibility to deliver its papers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of responsibility
The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.
—
Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
An attorney for the environmental groups said the law requiring a review applied to the facility because the Department of Homeland Security had authorized the funding and immigration was a responsibility of the federal government, not the state.
—Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
At his sentencing on April 3, Buskey apologized for his actions and took responsibility, WGRB reported.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
That duo dazzled Wauconda as freshmen — combining for 14 goals and five assists — but their responsibilities have increased.
—Sam Brief, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for responsibility
Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
An attorney for the environmental groups said the law requiring a review applied to the facility because the Department of Homeland Security had authorized the funding and immigration was a responsibility of the federal government, not the state.
—Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
At his sentencing on April 3, Buskey apologized for his actions and took responsibility, WGRB reported.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
That duo dazzled Wauconda as freshmen — combining for 14 goals and five assists — but their responsibilities have increased.
—Sam Brief, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for responsibility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsibility
Noun
-
Despite the ministry identifying the desalination plant attack as coming from an Iranian airstrike, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied responsibility for the strike and shifted the blame to Israel.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Peters is not alone in accepting blame for his generation.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As part of a two-question ballot measure, the Hickman Mills School District is asking voters to approve a general obligation bond to pay down the district’s debt.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
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These agreements are essentially rental leases that include an option (or, in some cases, an obligation) to eventually buy the property after living in it for a period of time.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The downside of such reliability is that even the smallest miscue seems shocking by comparison.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Pollution reduction, congestion reduction, improved safety, comfort, reliability.—
Jon Wertheim,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Since Markle and her husband stepped back from their royal duties and relocated to California, the humanitarian and mom of two has adopted a more casual—but still upscale—aesthetic.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
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He was promptly drafted into the Army, but his mountaineering experience led him to be assigned to the Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command in Colorado instead of combat duty in Korea.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Channel 24 answered a need identified by a city study on the local music economy back in 2023.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The need in the north Overland Park operates one indoor pool, three outdoor pools and five water play areas to serve its population, according to the master plan draft.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While the federal government made modest contributions to the project under the Obama and Biden administrations, the financial burden fell chiefly on California, and when construction started, the state didn't have the financing to complete the full route.—
Jon Wertheim,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Reservists have significantly borne the burden of Israel’s multi-front war - in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and now Iran - many serving multiple call-ups amounting to hundreds of days in the past two and a half years.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If a group or friend asks for more than feels fair, define the commitment and suggest a structure that keeps things clean.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The Union League, in contrast, was for those who could demonstrate their commitment to the national cause, and its clubhouse quickly became a place to get the latest news from the Southern battlefields.—
Michael Gorra,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Responsibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsibility. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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