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
Meeting our sacred obligation to over one million veterans so far who were exposed to toxic materials, and to their families, providing medical care and education benefits and more for their families.
—
The New York Times, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
The Padres reportedly needed a $50 million loan in 2023 just to meet payroll obligations.
—Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The United States does not uphold its obligations to NATO out of some kind of misguided altruism.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Taxpayers today bear distinct obligations to file a tax return reporting tax owed and to pay such tax.
—Andy Weiner, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for obligation 
The New York Times, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
The Padres reportedly needed a $50 million loan in 2023 just to meet payroll obligations.
—Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The United States does not uphold its obligations to NATO out of some kind of misguided altruism.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Taxpayers today bear distinct obligations to file a tax return reporting tax owed and to pay such tax.
—Andy Weiner, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
By contrast, Frazier took on the role of outmoded power, compliant duty.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
-
There are lots of ways to add a physical element in spot duty if the Jets want to augment Stanley and Lowry in that role or limit Stanley to the press box.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Connecticut entered this fiscal year with nearly $80 billion in long-term debt, including more than $35 billion in unfunded pension obligations alone.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The company's financial troubles stemmed from $3.3 billion in long-term debt, which exceeded its total assets by nearly $1 billion.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The fires may be a natural disaster but responsibility for the way this catastrophe unfolded and caused unprecedented damage and suffering belongs to them.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Transitioning from an individual team member to a leader requires adopting new responsibilities, cultivating relationships and guiding teams toward achieving organizational goals.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
For Soderbergh, the need to update his library largely comes down to one specific technological upgrade.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
22 Jan. 2025
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While billionaire wealth is surging, for many people, small and basic needs are still not met.—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trinity’s engagements with Hartford, and its inextricable co-dependencies, are not without flaws, but community commitments and points of progress abound.—
Garth Andrew Myers,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2025
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This commitment is far too robust to be derailed by the absence of any single participant.—
Thais Lopez Vogel,
Orlando Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obligation
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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