List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 264

SYNONYMS: obligation, responsibility, duty.
These nouns refer to a course of action that is demanded of a person, as by law or conscience.

Obligation usually applies to a specific constraint arising from a particular cause: Then in the marriage union, the independence of the husband and wife will be equal, their dependence mutual, and their obligations reciprocal.
Responsibility stresses accountability for the fulfillment of an obligation: I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
Duty applies especially to constraint deriving from moral or ethical considerations: I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, and to defend it against all enemies.