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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 obligations Before signing an agreement, prospective franchisees receive a franchise disclosure document (FDD), which details the costs, obligations, and risks of operating the business. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 At the same time, local pension systems and other long-term obligations are structured in ways that obscure the true cost. — Judi Willard, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026 Moreover, the school system has been in regular contact with the Department of Justice in a good faith effort to resolve their concerns while adhering to our obligations to all students, parents and staff. — Cbs Baltimore, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 However, given the company's future commitments for computing power that have yet to hit its expenses, Anthropic will have to continue accumulating cash through fundraising or generating profits to fulfill its obligations. — Leslie Picker, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 That capacity helps insurers meet their obligations to homeowners. — Kevin M. McCarty, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 This creates a compounding cycle of high-cost debt where the business borrows money strictly to service existing commercial obligations, effectively pulling the operation underwater. — Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Jones said the potential consequences for policyholders could be severe if an insurer’s financial position deteriorated enough to stop it from meeting its obligations. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 An election is not required when the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of available seats, and candidates who are delinquent in certain monetary obligations to the association may be ineligible to seek election. — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations

Noun

In counties where there’s one or the other, the responsibilities are often combined.

— Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026
Boards of Education have significant responsibilities involving policy, educational priorities, budgets, and fiscal oversight.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of responsibilities

Noun

Traditional credit monitoring generally will not detect the misuse itself, although unpaid debts could eventually create other financial complications.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
In exchange, the indictment said, the bettors bribed Beasley — and his debts to Davis were reduced or eliminated.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of debts

Noun

Backup running back Tyler Goodson is expected to handle kick return duties, while wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is expected to be the punt returner.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
In his absence, the duo of Damon Ferguson and La’Vell Wright have handled Pittsburgh’s duties in the backfield.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of duties

Noun

And companies like CoreWeave can’t rack up $52 billion in liabilities without a clear path to pay it back.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Rosland Capital has ceased operations and declared bankruptcy in July, listing some $64 million in liabilities and just $500,000 in assets.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of liabilities

Noun

Hackett said adjusting investments to reflect personal financial goals, changes in risk tolerance, or shifting income needs are good reasons to make changes.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
After all, the government closest to the people is the best response to local needs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of needs

Noun

At the same time, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made plenty of spending commitments.

— Ian King, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Some brands are expanding their use of advance material and capacity commitments, while delaying final decisions on color, SKU quantities or market allocation.

— Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligations

noun

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