obligation

noun

ˌä-blə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce obligation (audio)
Definition of obligationnext
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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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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obligation In late June, when Bitcoin was trading at $58,500, a 53% drop from its all-time high, Strategy sold some of its holdings to meet its financial obligations. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Springfield faces enormous pension obligations and little fiscal room to assume Chicago’s problems on top of its own. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Clarify one commitment, adjust a meeting if needed, and choose steady support over social noise or obligation. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Most of their predecessors understood caring for those who go in harm’s way as a sacred obligation. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
  1. duty
  2. debt
  3. responsibility
  4. need
  5. commitment
Noun
  • My duties in washing the dishes mark the exact time and place.
    — Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And in 2025, when Mexico raised duties on Chinese autos and steel, China put tariffs on Mexican pecans.
    — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of duty
Noun
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 8th House of Shared Resources, Trust, Intimacy, and Mutual Support, bringing focus to budgets, agreements, access, debts, or private commitments.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, even Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has billed himself as America’s top bond salesman, has noted the eagerness with which AI companies are offering debt—no matter the cost of borrowing.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of debt
Noun
  • Handle one visible fix, share one responsibility, or set up tomorrow’s essentials.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For smaller practices, the development of digital outreach often takes place alongside patient care and routine administrative responsibilities.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of responsibility
Noun
  • Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • Michael Mankins and Matthew Crupi want value maximization back as the objective, with stakeholder commitments as hard or soft constraints.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The integration of laser systems on the lightweight, highly mobile ISV platform reflects a commitment to scalable, adaptable, and expeditionary force protection solutions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of commitment

Browse Nearby Words

obligating
obligation
obligations
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Cite this Entry

“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obligation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obligation

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