OBLIGATION Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

obligation

noun

ˌä-blə-ˈgā-shən

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

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 To their credit, the Hacks creators aren’t sentimental enough to put these words in any character’s mouth, but the implication that older, wealthier, more accomplished employers have an obligation to elevate the younger, less secure people around them is there. —

Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026 At that point, Safiyaa had a legal and ethical obligation to issue your refund. —

Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Analysts pointed to higher estimates for Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services due to better remaining performance obligations. —

Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2026 Also, nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act says that the HOA’s obligation to repair the property depends upon whether the HOA can afford the expense, so the duty is unconditional. —

Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for obligation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation

Noun

The government has also raised duties to curb demand for gold, a move aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 June 2026
In a 3-2 loss, Ohtani, who didn’t start after two-way duties the day before, remained in the dugout.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026