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
The document essentially verifies that Muhsen abandoned his bond obligations.
—
Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Under the permit, the aerial vehicles will be able to fly up to 660 feet in the sky, but the park also has the obligation of monitoring its first two shows and a portion of the rest to document noise impacts, light levels and bird strikes.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
No change to overtime pay obligations Employers must continue paying overtime exactly as required under federal and state law.
—Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
There has to be in Boston on Beacon Hill a real adult discussion on state aid and what the state’s obligation is.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Under the permit, the aerial vehicles will be able to fly up to 660 feet in the sky, but the park also has the obligation of monitoring its first two shows and a portion of the rest to document noise impacts, light levels and bird strikes.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
No change to overtime pay obligations Employers must continue paying overtime exactly as required under federal and state law.
—Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
There has to be in Boston on Beacon Hill a real adult discussion on state aid and what the state’s obligation is.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
Palmer did double duty as host and performer at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards and absolutely lit up the red carpet pre-show with a gorgeous twist on her go-to copper hair color, styled by hairstylist Ashanti Lation.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2026
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In the summer of 1917, six United States Coast Guard cutters were sent overseas on convoy duty for the war, and the Tampa was the only one that never returned.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An earlier analysis from Deutsche Bank pointed out that the CBO assumes the primary deficit—the shortfall between revenue and spending excluding interest payments on debt—is expected to remain relatively stable over the next decade and beyond at about 2% of GDP.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
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My health care plan will cap prescription drug spending, create a public option to bring down premiums, and eliminate medical debt for low-income Californians.—
Antonio Villaraigosa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
August 23 – September 22 Clarity matters most today when money or responsibilities come up.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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While announcing Jacobson’s hiring, Stagwell said her responsibilities will include expanding ReachTV’s footprint and deepening its content partnerships.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Not peckish, not in need of a little boost—hungry, immediately and completely, hunger as urgent as any alarm clock.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
August 23 – September 22 Something at home needs adjusting before everything else works smoothly today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The company began as a shapewear brand offering a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 5XL, reflecting a commitment to body positivity.—
Lisa Gutierrez
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
-
Fujimori sought to reassure voters by emphasizing democratic commitments and acknowledging abuses committed under her father’s government, though without fully repudiating his legacy.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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