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
Relevance
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
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 early 2024, Lynk was unable to meet its obligations to provide financial statements required by the Securities & Exchange Commission, eventually leading to the first of three extensions on the merger deadline, costing Slam $80,000 a month to placate its shareholders.
—
Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025
Within the main changes to the national funding structure, that now extends to series and games, is a 3.5% investment obligation on all streaming platforms operating in the Czech Republic, including international majors like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 July 2025
What's, what are, what is a citizen's obligation now?
—CBS News, 4 July 2025
Redstone has borrowed heavily to meet debt obligations, including a $186-million term loan from Larry Ellison last year.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025
Within the main changes to the national funding structure, that now extends to series and games, is a 3.5% investment obligation on all streaming platforms operating in the Czech Republic, including international majors like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 July 2025
What's, what are, what is a citizen's obligation now?
—CBS News, 4 July 2025
Redstone has borrowed heavily to meet debt obligations, including a $186-million term loan from Larry Ellison last year.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obligation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligation
Noun
-
In fact, Cadillac even dialed the power up for sport-ute duty, pulling 682 hp out of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
15 July 2025
-
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump began informing America’s trading partners about their new duty rates under his tariff regime.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Office completions in 2024 fell to their lowest share of inventory since 2012 and are set to slow further, reflecting high vacancy rates, rising debt and construction costs, and falling office values.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
-
As revenue per barrel fell, U.S. operators shifted strategy: instead of expanding output, many are funneling profits into stock buybacks, dividends, and debt reduction.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The season sees Wyle's Dr. Robby shoulder the brunt of responsibility as his ER endures a stressful day, capped off with a mass casualty event that sees resources stretched thin.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
-
Data protection policy is typically owned by the chief information security officer (CISO), but the responsibility for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) extends far beyond the security department.—
Antonio Sanchez,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
An argument long debated in the courts is whether air conditioning goes beyond basic needs, since everyday citizens aren't guaranteed air conditioning in their homes.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
9 July 2025
-
During what might have been the committee’s final meeting last week, Samantha Karn, corporation counsel for the city, emphasized the need for a consistent process in determining which events are supported by the city and how much support is lent.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
This willingness to be imperfect fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to the journey of inclusion.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share