Synonyms of obligation

obligation

noun

ˌä-blə-ˈgā-shən 

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

• duty
• responsibility
• need
• commitment
• promise
• burden
• vow
• requirement
• pledge
• imperative
• office
• constraint
• do
• charge
• pact
• payment
• devoir
• contract
• oath
• incumbency
• debt
• arrangement
• must
• compulsion
• covenant
• trust
• word
• tribute
• restraint
• setup
• prearrangement
• reservation
• coercion
• compact
• force
• troth
• engagement
• appointment
• duress
• onus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relief
• discharge
• exemption
• grace
• waiver
• release
• stay
• ease
• postponement
• choice
• option
• alternative
• selection
• preference
• loophole
• pick

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

• debt
• indebtedness
• score
• liability
• arrears
• arrearage
• bankruptcy
• bond
• default
• debit
• delinquency
• insolvency
• embarrassment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repayment
• asset
• quittance
• quietus

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obligation

In late June, when Bitcoin was trading at $58,500, a 53% drop from its all-time high, Strategy sold some of its holdings to meet its financial obligations. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Springfield faces enormous pension obligations and little fiscal room to assume Chicago’s problems on top of its own. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Clarify one commitment, adjust a meeting if needed, and choose steady support over social noise or obligation. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Most of their predecessors understood caring for those who go in harm’s way as a sacred obligation. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026