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Definitions

duty

[doo-tee, dyoo-] / ˈdu ti, ˈdyu- /
NOUN
responsibility, assignment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
burden business charge chore commission commitment contract function job need obligation office role service task work
STRONG
calling committal devoir dues engagement hook load millstone mission must occupation onus pains part province station string trouble trust undertaking weight
WEAK
minding the store ought taking care of business
Antonyms
STRONGEST
entertainment fun pastime unemployment
STRONG
advantage aid benefit blessing help hobby surrender
WEAK
disregard faithlessness inconstancy irresponsibility treachery
NOUN
tax on foreign goods
Synonyms
STRONGEST
levy rate tariff
STRONG
assessment custom customs due excise impost revenue toll
Antonyms
WEAK
disregard faithlessness inconstancy irresponsibility treachery
NOUN
moral obligation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accountability burden charge liability loyalty
STRONG
allegiance amenability answerability conscience deference devoir faithfulness honesty integrity obedience pledge respect reverence
WEAK
accountableness call of duty good faith
Antonyms
STRONG
disdain dishonesty dishonor disloyalty disobedience disregard disrespect treachery
WEAK
faithlessness inconstancy irresponsibility

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.

I recognize that it’s a dereliction of cultural duty never to have seen any of the “Hangover” movies, the work that will likely lead Galifianakis’ obituary, may it be long in coming.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

There are many theories swirling around for why they have increasingly chosen to abandon their basic duty to legal transparency.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

"That is his right, and indeed, it is his duty to do that," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

She added: "We have a duty to offer compassion and sanctuary, not insecurity, fear and intimidation."

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Turkey Vulture just sighed and put me on basket-weaving duty.

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

Vocabulary lists containing duty

Veterans Day Vocabulary

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The Constitution of the United States

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An Ember in the Ashes

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