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 Figuring out how to strategize paying down your debts while also saving for emergencies and big goals is a common dilemma for many. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026 This cycle continued for years, with Thomas racking up around $75,000 in debt from credit cards and personal loans. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Russia is also facing economic and financial challenges due to high military spending and debt. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Without that alignment, organizations risk creating a patchwork of disconnected AI point solutions that introduce integration complexity, technical debt and inconsistent experiences. — Salvatore Lombardo, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 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
  • Saada has threatened before to reduce the group’s investment during tense negotiations over windowing rules and Canal+ was granted an earlier access to movies after their theatrical run in exchange for its substantial investment obligations.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Any business that outsources development, operations or customer support to third parties should also assume that obligation follows the data, not the org chart.
    — Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • At that point, Jesse had been dead for a decade, and Frank had been tried for crimes three times—in Missouri, then Alabama, and back to Missouri again.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Police said the vandalism was classified as a property crime rather than a hate offense, and the teen was released to his parents.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • Rating sites filled up with one-star scores, and the social media accounts of cast members drew abusive comments.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Achane’s replacement scored at the end of the third quarter pulled Miami within a score, making it 12-10 headed into the fourth quarter.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of score
Noun
  • While some newly prominent groups (such as those who later became known as Quakers) emphasized love, fellowship and justice, some members of other sects (like the Presbyterians) created new fears, new sins, new tests and new punishments.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • While Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer, England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • The crackdown ​reflects ⁠growing concern within the government that rising spending on gambling has drained household budgets and contributed to record levels of indebtedness.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026
  • And according to a European intelligence report this past June, Russian lenders are vulnerable due to soaring indebtedness and deteriorating loans.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of indebtedness
Noun
  • Several Japanese nationals, including executives at top Japanese firms, were reportedly detained in August over alleged violations of dual-use goods export restrictions.
    — Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Merz said Germany would take further steps to defend itself, including against Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers in the Baltic and North seas, airspace violations and drone attacks.
    — Susie Blann, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • At that time, the company’s Fisher-Price, Barbie and American Girl brands were struggling to connect with changing consumer tastes and Mattel was reeling from the recent bankruptcy of Toys R Us.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Following his bankruptcy, Thomas signed up for Pennsylvania's self-exclusion list.
    — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of bankruptcy

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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 7 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on debt

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debt

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