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Definitions

duty-bound

ADJECTIVE
bound
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constrained enslaved obligated restrained
STRONG
apprenticed articled bent coerced compelled contracted doomed driven fated firm forced impelled indentured intent made necessitated obliged pledged pressed required urged
WEAK
bounden certain having no alternative sure under compulsion under necessity
Antonyms
STRONG
irresolute
WEAK
allowed free permitted unbounded unobliged unrestricted
ADJECTIVE
indebted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appreciative beholden grateful obligated obliged thankful
WEAK
accountable answerable for bound bounden chargeable honor-bound hooked in debt in hock liable owed owing responsible
Antonyms
STRONGEST
thankless unappreciative ungrateful
WEAK
paid settled
ADJECTIVE
obligated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compelled enslaved indebted obliged
STRONG
committed contracted forced indentured pledged required tied urged
WEAK
bounden called by duty under obligation
ADJECTIVE
obliged
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compelled enslaved indebted obligated
STRONG
committed contracted forced indentured pledged required tied urged
WEAK
bounden called by duty under obligation
ADJECTIVE
responsible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answerable culpable guilty liable pledged subject
WEAK
at fault at the helm authoritative bonded bound bound to carrying the load censurable chargeable compelled constrained contracted decision-making devolving on engaged executive exposed fettered hampered held high in authority in control incumbent minding the store obligated obliged on the hook open susceptive sworn to tied to blame under contract under obligation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
innocent right unaccountable
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune irresponsible untrustworthy

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.

To Williams, it hinted at a more menacing scenario — at secret ties between those who threaten the rule of the law and those duty-bound to enforce it.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

Sometimes, a patient makes an unconventional choice, but if the patient is competent and the request is fundamentally reasonable, the physician is duty-bound to comply.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2024

Among those who remained at the hospital were patients who could not move, displaced people with nowhere to go, and medics who felt duty-bound to stay.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

“The MCN Constitution, which we are duty-bound to follow, makes no provisions for citizenship for non-Creek individuals. We look forward to addressing this matter before our Nation’s highest court.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2023

At special occasions, one is duty-bound to recite the following prayer.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel