1
as in obligations
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 crimes
a breaking of a moral or legal code
forgive us our debts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debts
More broadly, a shrinking population means fewer workers and consumers — and, in many rich countries, more young people working to pay for the costs of older workers’ retirements and the government’s debts.
—
Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The probate estate remains liable for the decedent’s debts.
—Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
In contrast, former Pierpoint trader Rishi (Sagar Radia), who married into a wealthy family, lost it all after his gambling debts resulted in his wife’s murder.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The Telegraph group, previously owned by Britain’s Barclay family, was put up for sale in 2023 to help pay off the family’s debts.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Don’t fall for texts asking you to pay tax debts, or even deepfaked calls from people who present themselves as IRS agents.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
In December, Zynex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing assets of more than $45 million and debts exceeding $86 million.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
In 1992, Ross Perot ran as a maverick presidential candidate on one major issue, the peril of huge debts, deficits and especially interest payments that were devouring the budget and leaving less and less money for the retirees, health care and defense.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The probate estate remains liable for the decedent’s debts.
—Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
In contrast, former Pierpoint trader Rishi (Sagar Radia), who married into a wealthy family, lost it all after his gambling debts resulted in his wife’s murder.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The Telegraph group, previously owned by Britain’s Barclay family, was put up for sale in 2023 to help pay off the family’s debts.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Don’t fall for texts asking you to pay tax debts, or even deepfaked calls from people who present themselves as IRS agents.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
In December, Zynex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing assets of more than $45 million and debts exceeding $86 million.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
In 1992, Ross Perot ran as a maverick presidential candidate on one major issue, the peril of huge debts, deficits and especially interest payments that were devouring the budget and leaving less and less money for the retirees, health care and defense.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debts
Noun
-
But that's not the utility's responsibility to take on those costs and obligations.—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The trend is already changing the stakes for businesses that have traditionally had no need to borrow, introducing a new layer of stakeholders, obligations, and risks that are transforming how internet companies operate and how they are valued by investors.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Casap may never change after ‘horrific’ crimes First-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In his post on Tuesday, the governor compared the case of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence, to that of a former state lawmaker who was recently sentenced to probation and community service after being convicted of one of the same crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Transfers that appear reactive can become focal points in litigation, particularly if liabilities were foreseeable before the transaction closed.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
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The funding will come from the city’s general-fund surplus, generated in part by savings from early pension payments that reduced long-term liabilities.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All of these are sins that Trump would likely understand.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Anything to cover your Epstein sins.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Many of those with convictions are for minor offenses, including traffic violations.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Attorney General Ken Paxton warned the Austin Independent School District that it could be fined $5,000 daily for alleged violations of Texas' new bathroom bill.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debts. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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