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.

Fiduciary duty is the highest obligation the law imposes on asset managers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

They also establish a strict obligation for migrants subject to expulsion to leave and cooperate with authorities, envisaging harsher penalties, including detention, for those who refuse to do so.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

“Broadcast licensees have a unique obligation to operate in the public interest. The FCC will follow the facts and law wherever they may lead.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Celtic had an obligation to buy him that summer, as if they would do anything else.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

I did not think of it so much as a choice as an obligation.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Vocabulary lists containing obligation

The Diary of Anne Frank

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The Things They Carried

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Freak the Mighty

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