1
as in responsibilities
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 debts
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
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Recent Examples of obligations
During the meeting Monday evening, two residents called for stronger oversight of the project, raising concerns about the city’s obligations, should the development stall.
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Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026
For instance, a user might encounter transaction limits, identity verification requirements, or reporting obligations, particularly for large amounts.
—Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Liens are recorded in state Uniform Commercial Code databases across the country, with the public filings intended to standardize interstate transactions and alert creditors about business debts and financial obligations.
—Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
This season, the Napiers also renovate the local hospital's maternity ward and the home of Ben's brother Jesse, all while attempting to keep a handle on their personal obligations and family life.
—Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
The list of family and friend obligations pile up fast.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The purpose of income tax is to pay for public services and government obligations and toprovide goods for the public.
—Olivia Munson, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Mamdani, like Bloomberg before him, arrives at City Hall relatively unencumbered by the tangle of obligations and relationships that accumulate over a long career in public service.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 1 Jan. 2026
Mercury retrograde is asking you to hit pause on external obligations and listen to your inner world.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations
Noun
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By 2030, the company expects Atlas to take on more complex responsibilities, including repetitive and heavy-load assembly work.—
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Soldiers will serve in a support role, focused on protecting property, safeguarding critical infrastructure and allowing local law enforcement to remain focused on community safety and investigative responsibilities, according to a news release from the governor's office.—
Noun
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Caruso and Steyer could easily finance campaigns for governor, freeing themselves from the chore of raising money and thus incurring political debts to supporters.—
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The three major credit bureaus stopped reporting medical debts below $500 in April 2023.—
Noun
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Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator, and Whitt, who had been in charge of the defense until being stripped of play-calling duties during the season, both arrived in Washington with Quinn before the 2024 season.—
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Inspire Investment Group president Brian Toerber, the hotel’s owner, has passed culinary duties on to Steven Waters, owner of downtown Denver cocktail bar Run for the Roses and also the hotel’s owner-operator.—
Noun
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Poland can move from navigating the liabilities of geography to shaping the norms and infrastructure beyond Earth.—
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Beneficiaries may choose to withhold taxes from their Social Security benefits to anticipate those tax liabilities.—
Noun
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Get ready for hunting season by browsing over 40 vendors selling a variety of goods for all your fishing and outdoor needs.—
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The request for additional money was made after underground utility and other site placement needs were identified while designing a new floor plan.—
Noun
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ComEd will announce this spring how many of those applicants have agreed to proffer the $200 million to $300 million in nonrefundable commitments in order to move forward.—
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Many boomers help with child care, though work commitments may limit their availability.—
Cite this Entry
“Obligations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligations. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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