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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obligation
Contract amounts reported are federal obligations over the life of a contract or group of contracts.
—
Jeff Ernsthausen, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
In some instances, Crawley is accused of using money obtained from one individual or business to repay obligations to others, creating a pattern of financial misrepresentation and unsustainable transactions.
—Ron Wood, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
Right now, my fear would be to see tennis as an obligation.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Familial obligations monopolize your attention and even the strongest, most long-term friendships can feel strained.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Jeff Ernsthausen, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
In some instances, Crawley is accused of using money obtained from one individual or business to repay obligations to others, creating a pattern of financial misrepresentation and unsustainable transactions.
—Ron Wood, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
Right now, my fear would be to see tennis as an obligation.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Familial obligations monopolize your attention and even the strongest, most long-term friendships can feel strained.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
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The administration, early Wednesday, levied a 104 percent import tax on the nation after China imposed a 34 percent reciprocal tariff on the U.S. following the president’s announcement of new duties last week.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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Homebuilders warn that tariffs and other charges (including the potential doubling of existing duties on Canadian lumber) on softwood lumber and other materials could further exacerbate the housing affordability crisis.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The memo also noted that the repayments came as Burns was being sued by a local bank over almost $24,000 in credit card debt.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
17 Apr. 2025
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On his website, El-Sayed calls for a range of policy proposals, including the abolition of medical debt, strong anti-monopoly enforcement, Medicare for All, and debt-free and tuition-free pathways for higher education access, whether in a two-year apprenticeship or four-year college education.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The strategy is straightforward: invest at least $2,000 in a company's stock to gain shareholder rights, then submit resolutions pushing for corporate responsibility.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
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That allowed companies to get out of the pension business, but gave employees more responsibility over their retirement funds.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Not Effectively Communicating New Designs Even when organizations succeed in designing spaces that reflect modern needs, many fail to communicate how those spaces should be used.—
Ryan Anderson,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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But focusing on meeting your essential needs first will lay the foundation for eventually finding the physical ability to do more. 2.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
SELF,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Recognitions such as being named one of Fort Worth’s Top 500 Most Influential People and receiving awards like Entrepreneur of Excellence and Community Advocate of the Year highlight my commitment to serving our city.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Notwithstanding recent moments of tension around Israel, the Catholic Church has affirmed time and time again its commitment to fighting antisemitism and appreciating Judaism as a sibling tradition.—
Joshua Stanton,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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