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

The Department complies with all record retention obligations, and any suggestion otherwise is incorrect. — CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

The family members are generally involved in legal proceedings regarding personal property, financial obligations and afterlife wishes of the person who died. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

The judge said prosecutors may renew the request if circumstances change and reminded Clancy’s defense of their ethical obligations. — Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2026

In its response, the museum said that the severance did not qualify as earned wages under state law because payment was contingent on McDuffie fulfilling her contractual obligations. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 Nov. 2026

If transportation revenues are accumulating faster than they are needed to meet legitimate transportation obligations, lawmakers should examine whether the taxes and fees generating those revenues are higher than necessary. — Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

The stakes are especially high in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, where public pension obligations are ballooning and are expected to exceed 15% of GDP by 2045. — Daron Acemoglu, Time, 7 Nov. 2026

The primary reasons for the increases are the annual deficits, the growth in unfunded Social Security and Medicare obligations, and increased unfunded liabilities in federal civilian and military pensions and retiree health care. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

As work and home obligations take up more of your focus, burnout can slowly sap your sense of joy and wonder in everyday life. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026