obligation

1 something one must do because of prior agreement their financial obligations keep them from giving to charities as much as they would like Synonyms of obligation burden, charge, commitment, devoir, do [archaic], duty, imperative, incumbency, need, office, responsibility Words Related to obligation oath, pledge, promise, troth, vow, word; arrangement, prearrangement, setup; compact, contract, covenant, pact, trust; debt, payment, tribute; compulsion, constraint, restraint; must, requirement; coercion, duress, force; appointment, engagement, reservation; burden, onus Near Antonyms of obligation grace, postponement, stay; discharge, ease, exemption, release, relief, waiver; loophole; alternative, choice, option, pick, preference, selection

2 something (as money) which is owed I have to pay off my current obligations before I can buy a new car Synonyms of obligation arrearage, arrears, indebtedness, liability (usually liabilities), debt, scoreWords Related to obligation bond, debit, delinquency; bankruptcy, default, embarrassment, insolvencyNear Antonyms of obligation quietus, quittance, repayment; asset