default 1 of 2

Definition of defaultnext
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action a default in the repayment of a bank loan

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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 2007, a collections agency won a default judgment against him, which was subsequently renewed, according to court records. Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026 Second, hospitals should move away from default pre-approval models for routine educational content. Adam Goodcoff, STAT, 13 May 2026
Verb
Platforms should be required to default to the least manipulative, most privacy-protective settings for users under 18. Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 Yet the overwhelming majority of donors simply default to their alma mater or institutions with strong brand recognition. Ed Smith-Lewis, Fortune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • OpenAI is currently defending at least eight federal lawsuits alleging psychological harms, negligence, and wrongful deaths attributed to ChatGPT, with at least five of those complaints framed as wrongful death claims.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
  • Many of the deaths prompted lawsuits alleging negligence by jail staff and health care providers.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Washington continued to ignore them in the recent campaign.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Even the wokest of the wokes are ignoring poor Megan.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The Virginia house of burgesses voted to thank him and the militia for their service, with the lawmakers attributing the defeat to the failure of the other colonies to come to Virginia’s aid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Rory McIlroy thinks back on three holes — his failure to birdie the par-5 ninth and the par-5 16th, and a big miss in his biggest moment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • To maintain this projection, leaders can be tempted to skimp on sleep and disregard other self-care measures.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • Judges up and down the ladder must make clear that there will be consequences for disregarding their orders, and act on that clarity; so far, the limited number of contempt proceedings have run into procedural walls or been derailed by appellate courts.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Washington’s neglect of his Indian allies continued after the battle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Appearing on America's Newsroom, Crean Lutheran High School girls’ track and field athlete Olivia Viola addressed CIF's ongoing neglect of female athletes' calls to oust boys from competition, including AB Hernandez.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The story also includes a fan-favorite character omitted from the previous films, Tom Bombadil.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026
  • When the constitution was revised in 1971, that requirement was omitted.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • In 2007, a big steam main by the Chanin Building, across from Grand Central, blew up right as a truck passed over, injuring dozens.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026
  • Still, their offers kept getting passed over as homes sold for tens – and sometimes hundreds – of thousands of dollars above list price.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Romano’s sturdy book may not stint on examples of Mary’s bad behavior—including a ferociously jealous verbal assault, near the end of the war, on the wife of a prominent Union general—but the biographer keeps tilting against those who slighted Mary in even the most superficial ways.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • He’s further slighted after the Emperor commissions him to remake one of his old operas so audiences might remember the country’s past successes.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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