Synonyms of obligations

obligations

noun

plural of obligation

1

as in responsibilities

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

• responsibilities
• duties
• needs
• commitments
• promises
• burdens
• requirements
• vows
• constraints
• pledges
• offices
• imperatives
• charges
• pacts
• payments
• dos
• devoirs
• contracts
• incumbencies
• debts
• oaths
• arrangements
• words
• covenants
• restraints
• trusts
• compulsions
• compacts
• forces
• appointments
• setups
• tributes
• reservations
• prearrangements
• engagements
• musts
• coercions
• troths
• onuses
• duresses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exemptions
• graces
• waivers
• discharges
• stays
• releases
• options
• reliefs
• alternatives
• postponements
• choices
• loopholes
• preferences
• eases
• selections
• picks

2

as in debts

something (as money) which is owed

I have to pay off my current obligations before I can buy a new car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• debts
• liabilities
• arrears
• arrearages
• scores
• delinquencies
• bankruptcies
• debits
• defaults
• bonds
• embarrassments
• insolvencies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repayments
• assets
• quittances
• quietuses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obligations

Since the early 1980s, their summer and weekend retreat from social obligations had been a 300-acre estate in South Kent. — Robert D. McFadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

There were plenty of options, from excursions and cultural experiences to restaurants and time by the pool or beach, but none felt like obligations. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

That would force the Royals to do their best to live up to the obligations in the agreement, but would not come with any monetary fines or damages. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Our stay was an attempt to escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with everyday life for a weekend, and this was a magnificent place to do that. — Felicia Brower, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Oftentimes, a person’s real job or family obligations will get in the way. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Broward Circuit Judge Carlos Rodriguez ruled that the city met its legal obligations, and the language is clear enough. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Pharmaceutical organizations handle formulation, clinical and patient-adjacent data that carry both regulatory obligations and competitive risks. — Matt Lowe, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Every additional dollar spent covering inflated pension obligations means one less dollar to fund public services, including, ironically, public safety services. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026