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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obligation
Whether personally or professionally, obligations could feel like you’re being pulled in opposite directions.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Lord thinks a county general obligation bond could raise billions of dollars to sustainably invest in affordable housing for workers who earn less than $70,000 a year.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Another is related to the obligations placed on downstream operators by the EUDR, despite efforts over the last months to provide simplification to stakeholders.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
Still, LexisNexis doesn’t claim to maintain privilege and recognizes that obligation always rests with the attorney, the company said.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Lord thinks a county general obligation bond could raise billions of dollars to sustainably invest in affordable housing for workers who earn less than $70,000 a year.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Another is related to the obligations placed on downstream operators by the EUDR, despite efforts over the last months to provide simplification to stakeholders.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
Still, LexisNexis doesn’t claim to maintain privilege and recognizes that obligation always rests with the attorney, the company said.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Trump previously imposed national security tariffs on steel and aluminum and derivatives, light-duty autos and parts, and copper.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The entire look was evocative of the fall season, centering staple pieces that merged together for an elevated off-duty ensemble.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For example, entrepreneurs overall didn’t get a big cash windfall or rely heavily on debt to start their businesses.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The rankings also look at first-year retention rates, borrower debt, faculty salaries, student-faculty ratio, standardized test scores, peer assessment and more.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement Arisu accepts responsibility, and rolls a seven.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honor those who came before us.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The water system is in most urgent need of financial help, according to the IBA, largely due to the rising costs of buying water from the San Diego County Water Authority and the lack of regular rate hikes prior to 2023.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
That should put you on track to find the ideal laser or ink tank printer for your needs.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Thank you for your commitment to quality local journalism.—
Dave Boucher,
Freep.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Do your best to honor that monthly commitment.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share