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
But the council seems to have no obligation to actually follow Lee’s guidelines, or even to strictly follow the ballot language.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
But now, the jury could find that the restructuring was a breach of charitable obligations.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 15 May 2026
While some have pointed to personal reasons such as health or familial obligations, others have cited a lack of interest among fans or gave no explanation at all.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The judge ruled that the lawyer violated his professional obligations.
—Mohamed Suliman, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
But now, the jury could find that the restructuring was a breach of charitable obligations.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 15 May 2026
While some have pointed to personal reasons such as health or familial obligations, others have cited a lack of interest among fans or gave no explanation at all.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The judge ruled that the lawyer violated his professional obligations.
—Mohamed Suliman, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Uthmeier has also argued that the government has a duty to protect children who didn’t have a say in not being raised by both biological parents.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
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The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Or maybe all McIlroy’s bad juju this week will call in its debts, and this week at Aronimink will end in a whimper.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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As things start to go very wrong with Gary falling deeper in debt to the Russians and threats made to the family in scary ways, there is another crisis looming for the Pearls.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
He’d been promoted to colonel after the death of Joshua Fry, but that simply meant that all the responsibility for the defeat at Fort Necessity fell on his shoulders.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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Today’s astrology could leave you mentally bouncing between practical responsibilities and the desire to completely escape reality for a few hours.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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Arrests and citations do nothing to address these needs.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Trump blasted Cassidy as voters went to polls Trump called out Cassidy again as Pelican State voters were flocking to the polls, further underscoring his commitment to dislodging GOP dissenters.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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Freedom and commitment do not have to fight today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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