DEFAULT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

default 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈfȯlt

Definition of default

as in negligence

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action a default in the repayment of a bank loan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

default

2 of 2

verb

as in to ignore

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) is the default home screen for users of the video-sharing platform. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 Previously, users were only able to pin up to four items, with Liked Songs, New Episodes (for podcasts) and Your Episodes (also for podcasts) being the default. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Verb

And that's what many business owners default to. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Sensing that gap, workers default to skepticism. — Bob Batchelor, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for default

Recent Examples of Synonyms for default

Noun

The Bellos family, through their Kansas City attorney Tom Porto, filed a lawsuit in late June alleging assault, medical negligence and Sunshine Law violations.

— Laura Bauer July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of negligence

Verb

Instead of going home that night, Wilber found himself back in bed 23 of the detention center — his bond denied — trying to ignore a nasty odor permeating his 14-person cell.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Kennedy plans to ignore such noise in the lead-up to the draft.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of ignore

Noun

Any actions against those responsible for the structural failure are pending the results of the ongoing investigation, the Department of Buildings said earlier this week.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The notion of remaining in your childhood home well into your adult years carries an enduring stigma, suggesting a failure to launch.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Definition of failure

Verb

But this is great news for Liam, who is clearly into her enough to completely disregard Hudson’s boundary request.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
Salgado Araujo, the department added, was shot after disregarding orders and attempting to ram an agent, who fired his weapon in self-defense.

— María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of disregard

Noun

The name has been given to residential youth facilities that have faced scrutiny for decades over allegations of abuse and neglect, according to critics.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026
This medical neglect is particularly worrisome amid a record-high numbers of deaths occurring across ICE’s detention system.

— Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

Definition of neglect

Verb

The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency will search for new funding sources for environmental cleanup at a River District property slated for affordable senior housing, after the organization was passed over for a federal grant.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
The autonomous vehicle then passes over the colorful flames and sparks.

— Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of pass over

Verb

Luckily for Rhaena, Lady Jeyne is a pragmatist — and one who feels slighted by Rhaenyra.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Militia commanders were already feeling slighted by their British overlords, and London’s stranglehold on trade and manufacturing caused still more resentment.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

defatted

default

defaulted

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Style

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of default

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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