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Definitions

obligation

[ob-li-gey-shuhn] / ˌɒb lɪˈgeɪ ʃən /
NOUN
responsibility
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accountability agreement bond burden commitment constraint contract debt duty liability necessity need promise requirement right trust understanding
STRONG
IOU business call cause charge chit committal compulsion conscience debit devoir dues engagement must occasion onus part place restraint
WEAK
accountableness due bill ought
Antonyms
STRONGEST
asset disagreement disbelief irresponsibility misunderstanding
STRONG
freedom unemployment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bondi egregiously mishandled the Epstein files, illegally withholding vast troves of materials that she had a legal obligation to release.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

No other air carrier faces such a legal obligation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Royal Mail has a legal obligation to deliver first class post six days a week.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

“Fairly read, the Mirabelli opinion creates an affirmative obligation on school officials to disclose,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

If you stand for justice and equality, you have an obligation to find the biggest possible megaphone to let your feelings be known.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.