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
Wilkinson provided financial support, including housing, credit cards, assistance with financial obligations and access to vehicles registered in his name, prosecutors said.
—
Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
If the motivation is boredom, obligation, or burnout, the square won’t last.
—Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Although the treaty has never been ratified, major nuclear powers have generally upheld their obligations not to test.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
China failed to meet its obligation in agricultural purchases.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
If the motivation is boredom, obligation, or burnout, the square won’t last.
—Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Although the treaty has never been ratified, major nuclear powers have generally upheld their obligations not to test.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
China failed to meet its obligation in agricultural purchases.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
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First Amendment experts question whether such dismissals violate free speech protections for public employees’ off-duty commentary.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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The dead included Hussein Hassan Hussein al-Semieri, a paramedic who was on duty at the time, said the hospital.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There was a debt on the company from a deal with Disney around Us Weekly and print revenues were disintegrating.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Before touching the tax rate, commissioners should fully examine spending, debt and large commitments already on the books.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the responsibility for the sewer line doesn’t rest with just one municipality.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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Mayer took his responsibility as a steward for the Grateful Dead’s canon of timeless songs seriously.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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CultureCon offers free scholarship tickets to students with financial needs and also partners with colleges to offer free admission.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
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There’s been constant friction, thanks in part to political pressure and the clout of developers, and one of the many future threats to the core mission is the need for more housing throughout the state.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Demonstrating that government can take care of the basics while accomplishing big things, which requires following through on our commitment to invest in critical needs like water, connectivity, and healthcare.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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My education journey, shaped by segregation and opportunity has deeply influenced my commitment to equity, access and lifelong learning.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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