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

The guard filed a lawsuit against Sanders and was issued a default judgment when Sanders didn’t show for his court date. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Read on for the details on declassified Windows license discussions, a look at the improvements in August's Patch Tuesday update, and how the latest Xbox outage reveals a serious problem with default apps. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

In other words, the Agg holds a mix of debt — including Treasurys — that is relatively unlikely to default. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 July 2026 Wang, who is pursuing reelection in November, also wants the measure to incentivize larger banks and Wall Street speculators who buy up distressed debts to not seek foreclosure as the first option when borrowers default on payments. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for default

Recent Examples of Synonyms for default

Noun

The jury determined that Meta and YouTube were negligent in the design or operation of their respective platforms, and that the negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Nuisance, negligence and harm to residents The largest set of claims in the lawsuit has to do with arguing that the data center damages residents’ health, futures and quality of life in the areas closest to the 400-acre hyperscale AI factory.

— Ilana Arougheti Updated August 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of negligence

Verb

DeGravelles, who is based in Louisiana where Mohammed had been held, said harsher sanctions would be warranted if his orders continued to go ignored.

— CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Lúcia added the Maria da Penha law needed updating because violence against women in Brazil is also a matter of power and as many femicides take place out of women’s homes in situations that are reported to police but ignored.

— Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignore

Noun

There was widespread concern in San Antonio last fall that a failure to approve a new arena could open the door for the Spurs to relocate to Austin.

— Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Reports vary on the exact level of success or failure of Meghan's brand As Ever, but the jam, flower sprinkles and scented candles have become a bit of a joke.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of failure

Verb

Ellison says that email was sent to the company's firearms compliance team, but a team member admitted to disregarding the email in a deposition.

— Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Given the amount of money floating in major college athletics these days, disregard the alarmists who declare that college football is dying, or unsustainable.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of disregard

Verb

Nick Pope has been omitted from every matchday squad under Jaissle and the head coach has hinted that the 34-year-old can leave, given Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen are set to be first- and second-choice goalkeepers.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The post has now been modified to omit the retirement statement.

— Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of omit

Verb

But after reaching All-Star status for the first time in his career, after keeping the Heat afloat through the first half of last season while Herro was sidelined, Norman Powell need offer no apology for feeling slighted.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
The poem is rife with open meanings; however, its principal question is important for anyone who has felt slighted or discouraged from conducting their lives with reverie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

defatted

default

defaulted

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of default

noun

verb

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