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

This keeps directors out of operational decisions, which are rightly management’s to make, while giving the board a standing basis for treating the vote as the opening obligation of oversight rather than its conclusion. — Amer Al Ahbabi, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

However, after becoming king of Kishkindha, Sugriva appears to neglect his promise, prompting Rama to send Lakshmana to remind him of his obligation. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Compare that with a traditional software business like Snowflake , which has $9 billion in remaining performance obligations, up 30% year-on-year; a GAAP gross margin of about 71%, and still trades at about 120 times forward earnings. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026

Schools may have legal obligations to maintain certain records. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026