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
The reader makes their determination of Sackler’s motivations and obligations, as well as of the story’s credibility.
—
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Separately, high-integrity offsetting remains a last-resort solution but doesn’t erase the obligation to decarbonize.
—Justin Worland, Time, 12 June 2026
Too many developers right now are taking the position that their primary obligation is to pay for connecting their projects to the existing grid and then availing themselves of existing power supplies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Since the interest rate remains fixed throughout the repayment period, borrowers know exactly what their monthly obligation will be from the start.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Separately, high-integrity offsetting remains a last-resort solution but doesn’t erase the obligation to decarbonize.
—Justin Worland, Time, 12 June 2026
Too many developers right now are taking the position that their primary obligation is to pay for connecting their projects to the existing grid and then availing themselves of existing power supplies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Since the interest rate remains fixed throughout the repayment period, borrowers know exactly what their monthly obligation will be from the start.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
With a V-neck and button-up front, this top transitions easily from the office to off-duty plans.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
-
Royals manager Matt Quatraro pulled double-duty Thursday.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The government recently announced another recruitment drive, offering to pay off debts of up to $140,000 for men who sign up and might otherwise face penalties for defaulting.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Housing is too expensive, gas is at $5 a gallon, and student debt is crushing an entire generation of young people.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Of course, somewhere so exposed to nature has a responsibility to maintain the beauty of the area.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
-
Most significantly, Lee wants voters to grant the mayor’s office a veto over Oakland City Council decisions and absorb many day-to-day responsibilities of running the city.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The fee adjustment captured the attention of many farmers about the underlying need for reform.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
-
The European Commission added that the latest developments underline Europe’s need for technological sovereignty.—
Maggie Eastland,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Morales received the 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his lifetime commitment to public service and community impact.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
Reuters, citing unnamed sources from Iran, the West and mediators, reported the deal would not involve an immediate commitment from Iran to end its nuclear program, with discussions about the program being delayed for 60 days.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
