OBLIGATIONS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

obligations

noun

plural of obligation

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

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as in debts

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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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 obligations Since the early 1980s, their summer and weekend retreat from social obligations had been a 300-acre estate in South Kent. — Robert D. McFadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026 There were plenty of options, from excursions and cultural experiences to restaurants and time by the pool or beach, but none felt like obligations. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 That would force the Royals to do their best to live up to the obligations in the agreement, but would not come with any monetary fines or damages. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Our stay was an attempt to escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with everyday life for a weekend, and this was a magnificent place to do that. — Felicia Brower, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 Oftentimes, a person’s real job or family obligations will get in the way. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 Broward Circuit Judge Carlos Rodriguez ruled that the city met its legal obligations, and the language is clear enough. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Pharmaceutical organizations handle formulation, clinical and patient-adjacent data that carry both regulatory obligations and competitive risks. — Matt Lowe, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Every additional dollar spent covering inflated pension obligations means one less dollar to fund public services, including, ironically, public safety services. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations

Noun

But when a traumatic drunken night resurfaces, Júlía must confront shame, family responsibilities and the courage to tell her own story, reads the logline.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
According to Kopel, if Ability ceased operations, its intellectual property and responsibilities would return to the center.

— Shannon Cuthrell, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of responsibilities

Noun

The story tracks a Chinese chef who moves to the Middle East to clear family debts by running a restaurant, only to see the venue become a community refuge when armed conflict breaks out across the region.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Still, Brigham focused on paying off his various debts, including his personal loan, student loans, car loans and credit card debt.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of debts

Noun

CFMoto Stopping duties come courtesy of Brembo, featuring dual 320-mm front discs clamped by radial four-piston calipers and backed by a 260-mm rear disc.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
The robot is also designed to perform sentry duties, including identifying personnel and issuing alerts when abnormal situations are detected.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of duties

Noun

Likewise, when crime bosses become international liabilities that could hamper Beijing’s relations with other countries, or when their political patrons fall and there are fewer political costs to targeting them, Beijing will act.

— Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026
Leaving the United States fiscal liabilities at an all-time, historically high level.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of liabilities

Noun

Maybe you’re exhausted by other commitments or spending too much time on your phone, which can be a distraction and energy zapper.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Tillman could receive warrants to purchase up to $100 million of NANO Nuclear stock, with most of the warrants tied to future reactor purchase commitments and project-development milestones.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of commitments

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obligation

obligations

obligatory

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“Obligations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obligations. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligations

noun

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