debt

noun

ˈdet How to pronounce debt (audio)
Definition of debtnext
1
as in obligation
something (as money) which is owed he filed for bankruptcy when his debts exceeded his assets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our debts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of debt The culprit is management’s mix of debt and REITs—great for income, less great for growth. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 There’s also the debt avalanche or snowball method, which builds momentum by focusing on paying down debts with the lowest interest rate or the lowest balances first. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 July 2026 Efforts to save the playhouse, widely considered to be one of the city’s leading architectural and cultural landmarks, stretch back to the abrupt closing of the debt-laden nonprofit theater in 2006. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026 PocketGuard offers a debt payoff plan feature where customers can list their debts, choose a payoff strategy, and review their debt payoff schedule. — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for debt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debt
  1. obligation
  2. crime
  3. score
  4. sin
  5. indebtedness
  6. violation
  7. bankruptcy
Noun
  • But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral, and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton was targeted partly for sending a letter to X in 2024 concerning X’s obligations under the Digital Services Act.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their beliefs — and their most ambitious heist yet.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 July 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • In 2020, as critics of standardized tests made similar equity arguments, the UC system decided to remove the use of SAT and ACT test scores in admissions.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • American Tropical Products, 235 North Industrial Boulevard in Bedford, had a score of 99.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of score
Noun
  • The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God.
    — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • Section 61 generally defines gross income quite broadly, including income from the discharge of indebtedness.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
  • Upon completion of the transaction, Aeffe would be released from its indebtedness and would also be substantially devoid of assets.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Definition of indebtedness
Noun
  • On June 27, 2026, at Trinity Pride Fest in Fort Worth, Texas, street preachers Richard Penkoski and David Grisham were subjected to multiple violations of their First Amendment rights while attempting to preach on public property.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • However, Pregen said city inspectors later signed an affidavit of compliance certifying Martinez had corrected the violations roughly two months ago.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • The city attorney’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment on GLAZA’s bankruptcy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Aspiration, which was renamed Catona, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year and its co-founder, Joseph Sanberg, was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for wire fraud.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of bankruptcy

Browse Nearby Words

debs
debt
debts
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Cite this Entry

“Debt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debt. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on debt

Nglish: Translation of debt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debt

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