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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
Lamont and the legislature also failed to budget adequately for certain legal obligations.
—
Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The report highlights a critical need for policy coherence as manufacturers face an increasingly fragmented environment of climate disclosures, greenhouse gas obligations, and labor frameworks.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
The issuer holds the right—but not the obligation—to redeem the bond early.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The focus should be on building budgets that remain sustainable over time and reflect a clear understanding of long-term obligations.
—Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The report highlights a critical need for policy coherence as manufacturers face an increasingly fragmented environment of climate disclosures, greenhouse gas obligations, and labor frameworks.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
The issuer holds the right—but not the obligation—to redeem the bond early.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The focus should be on building budgets that remain sustainable over time and reflect a clear understanding of long-term obligations.
—Jason Gallion, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
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
-
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
-
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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People were more likely to fall behind in debt payments, for example, see their credit score drop, file for bankruptcy and face foreclosure.—
Jennifer Ludden,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His primary responsibility is making sure the rocket is properly fueled.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Already, the department is overburdened, leaving the responsibility for handling many attacks by wolves and other predators to local law enforcement, said David Bess, a retired chief of CDFW’s enforcement division.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
8 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
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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
-
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
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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