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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligations
The roster’s age and future payroll obligations put it in win-now mode.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The total amount reflects earned leave accumulated during Smith's tenure and does not include any additional severance beyond contractual obligations.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
What’s at stake Dallas leaders are weighing the future of City Hall, a decision that pits civic legacy against long-term financial obligations.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
The union encouraged members to remove personal belongings from the workplace, schedule any medical, dental or vision appointments, refill prescriptions with 90-day supplies and postpone major purchases or financial obligations until an agreement is reached.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The board explored restructuring, mergers and new revenue sources, per her post, but ultimately decided to wind down, promising to fulfill pending obligations and cancel recurring donations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
In a drive to move Germany toward economic self-sufficiency, Hitler had imposed draconian tariffs, refused to honor foreign-debt obligations, and sought to wean the nation off Norwegian whale-oil consumption.
—Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Observing the relationship between parental contact with their children and the payment of child support obligations, facilitate and encourage parental access and involvement (when appropriate).
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Even Rihanna is navigating the balance between love and work obligations.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The total amount reflects earned leave accumulated during Smith's tenure and does not include any additional severance beyond contractual obligations.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
What’s at stake Dallas leaders are weighing the future of City Hall, a decision that pits civic legacy against long-term financial obligations.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
The union encouraged members to remove personal belongings from the workplace, schedule any medical, dental or vision appointments, refill prescriptions with 90-day supplies and postpone major purchases or financial obligations until an agreement is reached.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The board explored restructuring, mergers and new revenue sources, per her post, but ultimately decided to wind down, promising to fulfill pending obligations and cancel recurring donations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
In a drive to move Germany toward economic self-sufficiency, Hitler had imposed draconian tariffs, refused to honor foreign-debt obligations, and sought to wean the nation off Norwegian whale-oil consumption.
—Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Observing the relationship between parental contact with their children and the payment of child support obligations, facilitate and encourage parental access and involvement (when appropriate).
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Even Rihanna is navigating the balance between love and work obligations.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations
Noun
-
In his absence, those responsibilities fall to the deputy mayor, according to the City Charter.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
As kids get older, this transparency can cross over into talking honestly about social situations, financial decisions, or household values and responsibilities.—
Dina Gachman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Optima Tax Relief offers tax resolution services for individuals and businesses, typically for debts over $10,000.—
Deane Biermeier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
And Cannon — who played with the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs — admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after a series of bad investments and debts left him broke.—
Seung Min Kim,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
By then, customs duties from sugar and tobacco—produced by England’s slave economies in the Americas—accounted for a third of the Crown’s revenues.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Reportedly, the system has reached full operational status, shielding personnel from hazardous maintenance duties.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lucas looked over his roster before the season for its physical strengths and talent liabilities.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
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Infrastructure projects like pipelines, processing facilities, export capacity, and storage were treated not as liabilities, but as strategic advantages.—
Lynn Granger,
Denver Post,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meyer argues that the state spends billions without addressing glaring needs, and 5200 could cost less than roller-coastering people through hospitals, courts, jails and prisons without putting them on a healthier track.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The majority of Americans belong to the working class and are finding their paychecks unable to keep up with the higher and higher prices of everyday needs.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In a time when the message from Washington is to double down on fossil fuel use, Northeast governors are reneging on climate commitments.—
Susan Moynihan,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
-
He is expected to garner a handful of starts as Lugo and Michael Wacha are away due to World Baseball Classic commitments.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligations. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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