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
  • Then, in 2012, redevelopment agencies were dissolved by the state and their obligations transferred to successor agencies.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Without a coordinated strategy, the cumulative risk can become significant even if each individual's obligation seems manageable.
    — Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 8 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
  • Shortstop Miguel Rojas, who botched a grounder to his left earlier in the inning that enabled a run to score, was late breaking to cover third, leaving the bag wide open.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Standout features Easily cancel unwanted subscriptions, track your spending and credit score, automate savings and get help lowering bills.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Definition of score
Noun
  • But there are plenty of sins against the rules of cinematic chastity that marked that movement, such as the ample space made for Lasse Aagaard’s affecting, low-key score that amps up the anxiety as Vibeke starts to spiral.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • Drop Shots 😱 A player in the girls’ singles was disqualified from her match after committing a cardinal Wimbledon sin.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 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
  • The agency had found six violations of state code by the company after detainees complained about a lack of protective equipment and proper training while cleaning the facility for $1 per day.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The German predator network managed to thrive despite clear violations of Telegram’s terms of service, again raising questions about how the platform has been used for criminal activity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 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

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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 14 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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