sense of obligation
noun phrase
: a feeling that something is the right thing to do
We visited them out of a sense of obligation.
Examples of sense of obligation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lamarck, who in later life would often express his feelings of grievance against the injustices his colleagues inflicted on him, also had a quick and keen sense of obligation.
—
Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
This sense of obligation to the country is accompanied by a down-home humility, frugality, and folksiness.
—The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Nov. 2025
Still, the growing sense of obligation seems to have drained the joy out of the tradition.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
In a world without rising powers, the United States is becoming a rogue superpower, with little sense of obligation beyond itself.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
In the first instance, there is a sense of obligation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Other motives behind sacrifice included improving relationship quality, personal growth or a sense of obligation (more often mentioned by men).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
There's also a sense of obligation to keep going — even when things are tough — for our staff and for our community.
—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
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Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
This sense of obligation to the country is accompanied by a down-home humility, frugality, and folksiness.
—The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Nov. 2025
Still, the growing sense of obligation seems to have drained the joy out of the tradition.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
In a world without rising powers, the United States is becoming a rogue superpower, with little sense of obligation beyond itself.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
In the first instance, there is a sense of obligation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Other motives behind sacrifice included improving relationship quality, personal growth or a sense of obligation (more often mentioned by men).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
There's also a sense of obligation to keep going — even when things are tough — for our staff and for our community.
—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sense of obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sense%20of%20obligation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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