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
Certain debts, such as federal tax debts or student loan debts, may carry broader powers to access funds, even those that are typically protected.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The bill also directs KSU to attempt to collect all debts over $1,000, giving them the right to intercept federal and state income tax refunds.
—Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
One state, Connecticut, had given these lenders unusual power to go after business owners who fall behind on their debts.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
But in both cases there is something darker underneath the surface, revealing the prejudices and debts the characters couldn’t leave behind in the city.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
In addition, the IRS notes, any federal income tax refund for 2022 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loan debts.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Interest began accruing on SAVE enrollees' debts in August.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
To her understanding, the companies removed those allegedly unpaid debts from her name.
—William Tong, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
However, in more complex situations involving large debts or multiple years of unfiled returns, some people choose to work with a tax professional or a tax relief company.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The bill also directs KSU to attempt to collect all debts over $1,000, giving them the right to intercept federal and state income tax refunds.
—Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
One state, Connecticut, had given these lenders unusual power to go after business owners who fall behind on their debts.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
But in both cases there is something darker underneath the surface, revealing the prejudices and debts the characters couldn’t leave behind in the city.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
In addition, the IRS notes, any federal income tax refund for 2022 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loan debts.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Interest began accruing on SAVE enrollees' debts in August.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
To her understanding, the companies removed those allegedly unpaid debts from her name.
—William Tong, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
However, in more complex situations involving large debts or multiple years of unfiled returns, some people choose to work with a tax professional or a tax relief company.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debts
Noun
-
The 2012 nationalization of Argentina's largest energy company, further damaged Argentina’s international standing by reinforcing its history of abandoning its global financial obligations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Netflix and Disney+ consider investment obligations imposed by Wallonia-Brussels as disproportionate, given the size of the region.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dorothy’s job was to get her hands on the checkbooks of wealthy men who for family and business reasons, had difficulty reporting her crimes.—
Kevin Foster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The government had its own crimes to cover up.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
House disclosures show Swalwell has owed between $50,000 and $100,000 on student loans for more than a decade; his most recent paperwork shows the family holds between $15,000 and $50,000 in credit card liabilities apiece for Chase and American Express.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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All of his options come with serious liabilities, not least the fact that Iran appears to consider its own position to be relatively strong, given its de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz and, therefore, the global price of oil.—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their sins will be washed away by the waters of liberty.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Whatever Heidegger’s political sins, his philosophy restores a clarity our therapeutic culture fears.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The establishment is currently closed, and signage posted on the door indicates the business is facing multiple liquor license violations, including serving minors.—
Jamie Leary,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Thursday's hearing gave House investigators an opportunity to lay out their findings and make a motion for the panel of lawmakers to adopt their conclusion that Cherfilus-McCormick committed 27 ethics violations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debts. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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