Find Synonyms

obligation Synonyms

Another word for obligation

Choosing another word for obligation depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

Usage Example

"Parents have a legal and moral duty to ensure that their children receive an adequate education."

Strongest
duty
responsibility
commitment
Strong
requirement
onus
liability
charge
burden

• noun (Context 2)

A debt of gratitude for a service or favor received.

Usage Example

"She felt a deep sense of indebtedness to her mentor for guiding her through the early stages of her career."

Strongest
indebtedness
Strong
beholdenness
gratitude
appreciation

• noun (Context 3)

A legally binding agreement, contract, or financial instrument acknowledging a debt or promising payment.

Usage Example

"The corporation issued long-term obligations to finance the construction of its new research facility."

Strong
bond
contract
debt
covenant
debenture
compact

Opposites of obligation

The opposite of obligation shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

exemption
choice
asset
option
discretion
freedom
See all opposites of obligation

• Nearby Words

objectivization
objector
obligate
obligation
obligatorily
obligatory
oblige

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Obligation. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/obligation
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