as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
a default in the repayment of a bank loan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 default
Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Any meaningful upside will come from how the deal is structured — participation, credit, extensions — not from default ownership.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2026
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Public institutions continue to default to foreign platforms.
—Wolfgang Oels, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for default
Noun
The current default per the law would be for the state, and therefore taxpayers, to swallow the costs if the loan is not repaid.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Any meaningful upside will come from how the deal is structured — participation, credit, extensions — not from default ownership.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
The amnesty program should be mandatory for businesses that are behind on their taxes, and those who default on their payments should have their licenses stripped, Sosa said.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Public institutions continue to default to foreign platforms.
—Wolfgang Oels, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
-
In California, with its history of wildfires often caused by arson or negligence, prosecutors have not shied away from filing criminal charges, including murder, against people suspected of starting blazes or explosions, Taylor said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Jurors found Smith was liable for negligence in Dalessio’s death and awarded her family $15,235,245, court papers said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Roughly 2 in 10 did not have time to make an appointment, had felt ignored or dismissed by a provider in the past or were too embarrassed to talk to a person.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Too seldom is the collective good even an afterthought, E Pluribus Unum a motto untranslated and ignored.—
Rabbi Dan Levin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Investigators said pressure from a nearby metal pipe increased stress underground and caused the failure.—
Lexi Salazar,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Not if, but when coastal conditions change, the city currently retains the ability to reinforce unstable areas or adjust alignments, maintaining continuous access for residents and the public, similar to Coast Walk Trail realignment in 2016 following a trail failure.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
We are elected by the people, although there’s a narrative trying to disregard that.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In the court filing, the ACLU Foundation and partner organizations accused the state and federal government of disregarding Polster Chapell’s March 27 order.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Among other complaints, detainees there allege systemic medical neglect and inadequate food and water.—
Foreign Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Improper cleaning can do as much damage to your deck as neglect.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The NYT‘s profile either downplayed or omitted all of these glaring ethical red flags.—
Maggie Harrison Dupré,
Futurism,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The Associated Press omitted the word entirely.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Before Poeltl can complete the double-team, Towns looks to the 3-point line then rifles a right-handed pass over his own head to Bridges for the easy two under the rim.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Famously passed over by American Idol producers, Amber Riley shows off her stellar pipes in the role of resident high school diva Mercedes Jones, always competing with Rachel Berry for the top spot in the glee club.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Too few compliments make kids feel slighted, while too many can inspire arrogance.—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The right felt slighted, again, this time as the victim of a great left-wing conspiracy to turn football’s biggest night against them.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
