obbligato

as in accompaniment
something that is found along with something else with the babble of the brook as an obbligato, we enjoyed our picnic

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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 obbligato There is a lovely horn obbligato to Sifare’s Act 3 aria which would be challenging to play on a modern instrument. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2023 As an obbligato of protest continued behind Wilson, Dylan, accepting Wilson’s advice, sang the insert. Mick Stevens, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2021 The long orchestral introduction left no doubt as to where composer Stephenson’s interests lay, the work’s first two movements amounting to symphonic statements with bass trombone obbligato. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 14 June 2019 The aria is enhanced by trumpet and oboe obbligatos, which were handled deftly by trumpeter Steve Marquardt and oboist Debra Nagy. Special To The Plain Dealer, cleveland.com, 16 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obbligato
accompaniment
Noun
  • Choir and band students offered musical accompaniment in the expansive common area while school leaders spoke about the school's history, the construction project and the opportunities students will have in the new facility.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Much of what Sphere presents will turn up in various iterations across AMC properties – making for a spooky accompaniment to 650 hours of bespoke programs.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obbligato.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obbligato. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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