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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 If interest begets debt, and debt begets interest, eventually debt will spin out of control. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 Don’t assume that every debt associated with a previous owner simply disappears after foreclosure. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026 If the boom slows or goes bust, who’s left holding the empty buildings and the debt? — Kam Shenai, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 And the risk factors — high spending, low growth, rising debt and elevated borrowing costs — lead some economists to warn that while Russia's economy has not collapsed, its structural foundations are eroding dangerously. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 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
  • However, the secondary TV networks do not have any obligation to provide content to third parties.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But also know that no one is under any obligation to answer questions about their body, even at a gym.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Anti-immigrant marches and vigilante groups have driven a wave of social upheaval in South Africa this year, often blaming foreign migrants for the country's high crime rate.
    — Rael Ombuor The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The poll also showed that crime did not crack the top five most important issues.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • The Buffs totaled 348 yards but managed only one third-quarter score.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After South Dakota tied the score at 24-24, Madsen led the offense on one last methodical drive, covering 75 yards in nine plays to give Boise State the lead back.
    — Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of score
Noun
  • So lets unpack all the sins and consequences, starting with those tied to the case John just closed.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Some Jews may pray near a body of water in a Tashlich ceremony, tossing pieces of bread or other food into the water to symbolize sending off sins.
    — Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • 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
  • The lack of access to institutional credit and chronic indebtedness is also seen by some researchers as a contributing factor to the phenomenon of farmer suicides in rural India.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of indebtedness
Noun
  • The order warned any construction or demolition before the NPS issues final authorization would be a violation of the court.
    — Kristin Wright, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Former Edison football coach Dave White remembers suspending his team’s best player before a trip to Hawaii for a team rule violation.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • Chatham Asset Management won the bidding in the bankruptcy auction that year, and much of the company’s debt was eliminated in the acquisition.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In this dark comedy that captures our anxiety about the future of technology, two entrepreneurs nearing bankruptcy unveil a VR device that uses personal data to predict its users’ future.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on debt

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debt

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