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
Decades of animal rescue work have given Wood a sense of obligation to unwanted animals.
—
Alexandra Rockey Fleming, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Kendricks agreed, explaining that a sense of obligation has weighed on him since Staley was let go last week.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2023
My sense of obligation for Maggie was grave and tinged with guilt.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
Much of House of Usher proceeds less with frenzied energy than a dutiful sense of obligation.
—Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 11 Oct. 2023
None of this is to suggest that Davis doesn’t feel a sense of obligation toward the organization.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023
In his business career, as a candidate and as president, Mr. Trump has frequently plucked subordinates from trouble or obscurity and given them a lifeline — and, by extension, a sense of obligation to him.
—Ben Protess, New York Times, 30 July 2023
The Taliban recognize the fighting skill and dedication of al Qaeda members and feel a sense of obligation to them for their sacrifices over the past 20 years.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2021
With a recommendation from a former client, the contractor will likely feel a sense of obligation to take care of you.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas News, 8 June 2023
Alexandra Rockey Fleming, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Kendricks agreed, explaining that a sense of obligation has weighed on him since Staley was let go last week.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2023
My sense of obligation for Maggie was grave and tinged with guilt.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
Much of House of Usher proceeds less with frenzied energy than a dutiful sense of obligation.
—Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 11 Oct. 2023
None of this is to suggest that Davis doesn’t feel a sense of obligation toward the organization.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023
In his business career, as a candidate and as president, Mr. Trump has frequently plucked subordinates from trouble or obscurity and given them a lifeline — and, by extension, a sense of obligation to him.
—Ben Protess, New York Times, 30 July 2023
The Taliban recognize the fighting skill and dedication of al Qaeda members and feel a sense of obligation to them for their sacrifices over the past 20 years.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2021
With a recommendation from a former client, the contractor will likely feel a sense of obligation to take care of you.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas News, 8 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sense of obligation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sense of obligation
Cite this Entry
“Sense of obligation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sense%20of%20obligation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
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