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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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 However, the base settlement amount is around $12 billion, rising to $17 billion only if other major social media platforms adopt the time management obligations laid out in the list of Meta’s remedies and agree to financial penalties. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction, joining Villa on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation based on appearances. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Paxton’s office also notified two Dallas medical centers of their obligations to provide life-saving treatment. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 For those $510 million in bonds to support stadium construction, the Royals would not have any obligation to repay them, documents say, and the city eyes using economic tax revenue generated in and around the stadium to cover them. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 26 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
  • Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK as private citizens and will not be resuming any official duties on behalf of King Charles III.
    — Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is little for police to do besides offer condolences, ask questions and carry out their legal duty to confirm the parents did nothing that constitutes a crime in Idaho.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 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

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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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obligation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obligation

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