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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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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Claire’s worry is that Jamie will go above and beyond the call of duty and lose his life in the process.Lincee Ray, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025
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Role: McCarthy split punting duties with Andrew Osteen in 2022, averaging 43 yards with 39 punts.Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 3 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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In fairness to Alexander-Arnold, this isn’t really his responsibility, but this was clearly the danger zone.Michael Cox, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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Investing in clean water projects is not just a social or environmental responsibility, but a strategic investment in the long-term health of a business.Dan Lambe, Forbes, 6 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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Through decades of economic cycles, growth, and challenges, the bank has remained steadfast in its commitment to its customers and associates through its values of love, trust, respect, commitment to excellence, and fun.Forbes Press Releases, Forbes, 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 18 Jan. 2025.
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