default 1 of 2

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

default

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
In other words, if your business were to get sued or default on debt, your personal assets can't be targeted to settle that lawsuit or debt. Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 22 July 2025 Wealth management conversations often default to male clients. Shelley Zalis, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
Besides tariff exposure concerns over iPhone production amid the India pivot, Apple also faces investor worry over regulators getting set to rule on its default search deal with Alphabet subsidiary Google. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025 Skipping loan payments Skipping payments or failing to keep up with your loan status can lead to delinquency, default and damage to your credit. Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • Police said the investigation is still ongoing, adding that no foul play or negligence is currently suspected.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • The couple is accusing the funeral homes of mishandling human remains, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
    USA Today, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Nancy, Natascha, and Leslie all hoped to get Gary's rose, but in the end, the sparks between him and Leslie burned too bright to be ignored.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But retail, especially large global brands with complex supply chains, cannot ignore the potential knock-on implications to their business.
    Scott Kelly, Sourcing Journal, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Therefore, having a strong growth mindset, self-discipline, and the ability to reframe failures as a learning curve can be the key factor for succeeding in business.
    Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • After making a tremendous mistake that triggers the French and Indian War, an ambitious 22-year-old Washington must face his failures and find the courage to become the leader that will forge a nation.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • We’re overrun by leaders who are psychopaths or sociopaths (people who disregard social norms and the rights of others).
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • Even now, six months into President Trump’s second term, there’s a tendency to disregard his sometimes fiery rhetoric as mere big talk.
    Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Police always investigate a drowning to rule out cases of abuse or extreme neglect, but an absent-minded parent accidentally forgetting to lock the pool gate or door to the backyard was unlikely to land them behind bars, Hoskin said.
    Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
  • Not only in the United States, where academic medical centers (AMCs) are strained by politics, profit models and bureaucracy—but also in countries like Mexico, where health systems are crumbling under neglect and underfunding.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration’s AI plan omits the role of U.S. immigration policy in providing American companies access to talent in cutting-edge fields.
    Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • In a fun and rigorous reading, Taubin zings Chazelle for omitting race in a nostalgic exercise that purports to be all about the birth of jazz.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The law is one of several passed over the years limiting the state's involvement in immigration enforcement.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Rosengren and other Army witnesses expressed concern with the minimum separation required for aircraft to pass over each other in congested airspace.
    Ben Mause, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Related article Gay rights icon Harvey Milk’s legacy slighted by decision to rename Navy ship Wald says that waiting to transition can create additional psychological distress for a child and can raise their risk of depression, suicidality, self-harm or substance misuse.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
  • Despite Meg’s efforts to connect, Ellen (Kyra Sedgwick) repeatedly slights her future daughter-in-law.
    Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on default

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!