as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
a growing deficit in the number of hours devoted to sleep
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deficit
Like most conservative economists at the time, Hassett was a staunch deficit hawk, an advocate of higher levels of immigration, and, above all else, an unabashed free trader.
—
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Newsom has steadfastly rejected tax increases to deal with the deficit, unwilling, obviously, to become a pro-tax presidential candidate.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
In what has become a Groundhog Day experience, Illinois faces a budget deficit topping $2 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
In the third, the Wildcats were able to cut their deficit to one point after scoring four out of the first six points of the quarter, which included a Bouvier mid-range jumper.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Newsom has steadfastly rejected tax increases to deal with the deficit, unwilling, obviously, to become a pro-tax presidential candidate.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
In what has become a Groundhog Day experience, Illinois faces a budget deficit topping $2 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
In the third, the Wildcats were able to cut their deficit to one point after scoring four out of the first six points of the quarter, which included a Bouvier mid-range jumper.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies.—
Daniel Hunt,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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