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 Wall Street has expressed concerns about the company’s indebtedness — and taming its debt obligations will be a sizable chore for Ellison and his team. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 This is especially important where AI affects customers, employees, financial decisions, legal obligations or public trust. — Jeffrey Bartel, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 However, the order instructs officials to explore ways to forgive the tax obligations, including potentially legislation. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 Saada has threatened before to reduce the group’s investment during tense negotiations over windowing rules and Canal+ was granted an earlier access to movies after their theatrical run in exchange for its substantial investment obligations. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 On top of that, the government can revoke permanent residency for not meeting pension contribution obligations, failing to pay health insurance and taxes, and violating immigration law or the penal code. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 February 19 – March 20 Shared money, trust, or emotional obligations may need clearer limits today. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 Connecticut still carries more than $30 billion in unfunded pension obligations, one of the highest burdens per capita of any state. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 Pisces February 19 – March 20 Shared money, trust, or emotional obligations may need clearer limits today. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obligations

Noun

An aircraft acquisition introduces a different set of responsibilities.

— Alex Kowtun, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Partners must divide responsibilities, delegate to each other and determine who has the final say when their territories overlap.

— Leslie John, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of responsibilities

Noun

Figuring out how to strategize paying down your debts while also saving for emergencies and big goals is a common dilemma for many.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan, ideally with a lower interest rate and more manageable monthly payment.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of debts

Noun

Tate Nagy relinquished punt return duties to Keaton Kubecka Saturday.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
The contract also establishes a binding grievance procedure and additional pay for employees who take on extra duties or are required to work on-site during an emergency.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of duties

Noun

Traditional due diligence can miss back-office technology impacts—liabilities reducing valuation (technical debt, vendor lock-in and cybersecurity exposure) or assets increasing it (scalable platforms and modernized pipelines).

— Tipu Usha Vaithee Swaran, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Stallone endured an avalanche of rejections from agents who felt his slurry speech and asymmetrical mouth were liabilities — the very traits, of course, that would mark him as an original in a few short years.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of liabilities

Noun

Mercury in your 10th House squares Mars in your partnership zone, so another person’s needs or opinions may push against your plans, reputation, or sense of direction.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Although there is Palestinian opposition to a two-state solution, a growing proportion—now a majority—wants it, and yearns for more capable and responsible leadership that addresses their needs and provides security.

— Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of needs

Noun

Its memorandum of understanding sets commitments around freedom of association, collective bargaining and living wages, while its country-level work can also involve manufacturers and other stakeholders.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
The company also signed long-term leases in expensive cities around the world while renting space to members on short-term commitments, a mismatch Neumann acknowledged on the podcast.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 5 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obligations

noun

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