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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
The first order of business in the House is its constitutional obligation to elect its speaker, a process that has created high drama in recent years as Kevin McCarthy took 15 ballots to ultimately seize the gavel at the beginning of the 118th Congress.
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Lauren Peller, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Over time, your stylist will work with you to determine your preferences, but there is no obligation to buy anything.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 3 Jan. 2025
These days, the role of coffee shops and bars, libraries and community centers, civic clubs and houses of worship, have faded as the creep of work and domestic obligation in American life have become all but inescapable.
—Adam Chandler, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025
For example, your Honor, if there is a joint investigation, that implicates certain discovery obligations in the Manhattan DA case that they—that if that case is proceeding, we'll be entitled to discovery.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obligation 
Lauren Peller, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Over time, your stylist will work with you to determine your preferences, but there is no obligation to buy anything.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 3 Jan. 2025
These days, the role of coffee shops and bars, libraries and community centers, civic clubs and houses of worship, have faded as the creep of work and domestic obligation in American life have become all but inescapable.
—Adam Chandler, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025
For example, your Honor, if there is a joint investigation, that implicates certain discovery obligations in the Manhattan DA case that they—that if that case is proceeding, we'll be entitled to discovery.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
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By contrast, Frazier took on the role of outmoded power, compliant duty.Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
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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
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The Biden administration has pushed for student loan relief, including canceling loan debt, although the administration has faced court challenges that have greatly diminished its efforts to forgive student loans.Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025
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Many were hoping the Federal Reserve ‘s rate cuts would spur a recovery in the sector, since lower rates mean cheaper debt and less burdensome financing costs.Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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The cash-and-stock deal, announced Friday, ranks among the power sector’s biggest, and indicates that natural gas is likely to play a larger role than many expected a few years ago in meeting the nation’s electricity needs.Rebecca F. Elliott, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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Member states are working on tackling the need for sustainable, dignified and affordable housing across the Union.Sofia Celeste, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Her experience, leadership acuity, passion for students and commitment to the craft of teaching will benefit our school community for years to come.Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
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Our partnership and shared commitment to helping communities in need is greatly valued.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obligation
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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