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

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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
The bill sailed through the Legislature, passing nearly unanimously earlier this year, and could become law by default on July 1 or sooner, with the stroke of the governor’s pen. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 Baker says a plan to hold schools accountable for unpaid student loans should necessarily include debts that have gone into default. Cory Turner, NPR, 12 June 2025
Verb
Failure to pass an increase to the debt ceiling before the X-date means Uncle Sam would have to default on our $36 trillion national debt for the first time in U.S. history. Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025 Republic Plaza at 370 17th St.: Brookfield Properties and MetLife Investment Management defaulted on a $134 million debt and reworked terms with bondholders in March 2023. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • Boat operator negligence or DUI – The Coast Guard also states that negligent operation — including drinking, speeding, or unsafe boating — can lead to fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
  • In the early hours of June 14, 2017, residents of Grenfell Tower were caught off guard by a deadly fire that would turn the building into an international symbol of negligence and injustice.
    Time, Time, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite weeks of calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Trump has been ignored by Putin, who continues his aggression.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
  • If another catastrophe were to occur—especially one brought on by ignoring the essential stepping stone of the moon—the backlash could be far more severe.
    Avery Padraic Kerrigan, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • That such rhetoric passed without objection is not merely a failure of decorum.
    Isabella Brannon, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
  • The launch was the first since a California Starlink launch that ended up with a second-stage failure that grounded the Falcon 9.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Yet the White House disregarded that Los Angeles’ mayor and California’s governor both objected to the deployment.
    Jeremy Pressman, The Conversation, 15 June 2025
  • Such statement disregards widespread war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • The Volusia Sheriff’s Office posted video of Scott Allen Gardner being apprehended on Thursday on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
  • London spoke about his case at a press conference earlier this month, where Barbara Fair, the executive director of Stop Solitary CT, referred to him as someone who had experienced medical neglect first-hand within the Department of Correction.
    Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Some trustees provided incomplete records, with group chats missing messages or with dates, times and senders for some messages omitted.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • The fraud charge that immigration officials later added accuses Khalil of purposely omitting details on his green card application about his work history and involvement with certain organizations, including a U.N. agency that helps Palestinians.
    Adrian Florido, NPR, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • In an Espanyol team suited to playing direct football, Garcia thrived at switching up his distribution and hitting attacking players with lofted passes over the midfield.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 June 2025
  • After being passed over for Love Island in 2021, Martin had become disillusioned with reality dating shows.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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