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
For debts that have grown unmanageable, filing for bankruptcy may also provide a legal pathway to discharge obligations that a relief program couldn't fully resolve.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Under Florida statutes, Sloth World had no obligation to report the deaths.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
The following year, the two agencies worked out a system for resolving past obligations.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Prior to Chavez-DeRemer's exit, Scott had requested that D'Esposito investigate her compliance with all legal obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), including establishing the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Under Florida statutes, Sloth World had no obligation to report the deaths.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
The following year, the two agencies worked out a system for resolving past obligations.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Prior to Chavez-DeRemer's exit, Scott had requested that D'Esposito investigate her compliance with all legal obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), including establishing the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
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Palmer did double duty as host and performer at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards and absolutely lit up the red carpet pre-show with a gorgeous twist on her go-to copper hair color, styled by hairstylist Ashanti Lation.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2026
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In the summer of 1917, six United States Coast Guard cutters were sent overseas on convoy duty for the war, and the Tampa was the only one that never returned.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Now that’s out of reach for most people between student debt and home prices and the economy slanted toward the very, very top one per cent.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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Millions of Americans are turning to AI chatbots for help with their finances, asking about budgets, debt payoff plans, retirement strategies and investment options.—
Michelle Singletary,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
August 23 – September 22 Clarity matters most today when money or responsibilities come up.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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While announcing Jacobson’s hiring, Stagwell said her responsibilities will include expanding ReachTV’s footprint and deepening its content partnerships.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The masterful move addressed the Rams’ most pressing need and gave them a Super Bowl-ready roster.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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On homelessness, Gersten supported the city’s current strategy, but raised pointed concerns about cost and scale, noting that Palomar Point’s per-unit price tag of more than $500,000 means such projects alone cannot meet the full need.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Messenger Mercury in your 7th House of Partnership squares expansive Jupiter in your 10th House of Career, pushing conversations about commitments, expectations, and time.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
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As of Friday, the San Diego Housing Commission had not yet received its annual HUD funding commitment.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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