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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
To their credit, the Hacks creators aren’t sentimental enough to put these words in any character’s mouth, but the implication that older, wealthier, more accomplished employers have an obligation to elevate the younger, less secure people around them is there.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026
At that point, Safiyaa had a legal and ethical obligation to issue your refund.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Analysts pointed to higher estimates for Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services due to better remaining performance obligations.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Also, nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act says that the HOA’s obligation to repair the property depends upon whether the HOA can afford the expense, so the duty is unconditional.
—Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026
At that point, Safiyaa had a legal and ethical obligation to issue your refund.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Analysts pointed to higher estimates for Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services due to better remaining performance obligations.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Also, nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act says that the HOA’s obligation to repair the property depends upon whether the HOA can afford the expense, so the duty is unconditional.
—Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Madix took over hosting duties in 2024.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Her effortless, model-off-duty style rarely misses.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Retail giants and small firms alike say refunds are crucial for cutting prices, paying debts and staying afloat, even as many complain that payments are arriving painfully slowly.—
Mae Anderson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Sixty-five percent of Americans with a negative net worth (more debt than assets) reported experiencing financial anxiety.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
People see you as sensible and ready to assume the responsibilities of the position.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
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And every morning, thousands of CPS educators walk into those same buildings carrying an enormous responsibility that too often goes unrecognized.—
Susana A. Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Regular blood rechecks will be necessary and will determine the need for medications, possibly for the rest of her life.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The commitment, which SoftBank called its biggest AI infrastructure investments in Europe, reflect personal diplomacy between Emmanuel Macron and SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, who met during the French president’s visit to Japan this year.—
Benoit Berthelot,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
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That conviction informed both his artistic practice and his political commitments.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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