debt

noun

ˈdet How to pronounce debt (audio)
Definition of debtnext
1
as in obligation
something (as money) which is owed he filed for bankruptcy when his debts exceeded his assets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our debts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 debt This surge in debt issuance — including less-visible forms of leverage — is sharpening the focus on whether the eventual returns from AI infrastructure can justify the vast sums being spent. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 That ticking fee, potential further payouts and the declining net worth of Papa Ellison and Oracle founder Larry, adds a multi-billion dollar bill for Paramount to the $80 billion debt the combo company will have on Day 1. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 There are several ways to improve your chances of approval before applying for a loan, including reviewing your credit reports, paying bills on time, reducing overall debt, avoiding new credit accounts and building your savings. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 That's pushing the government's cumulative debt close to $40 trillion. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debt
  1. obligation
  2. crime
  3. score
  4. sin
  5. indebtedness
  6. violation
  7. bankruptcy
Noun
  • There were plenty of options, from excursions and cultural experiences to restaurants and time by the pool or beach, but none felt like obligations.
    — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the funds would be borrowed, with about $10 billion coming through general obligation bonds that would be repaid over time by California taxpayers.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Mangione’s lawyers raised concerns when he was first charged in both jurisdictions that the 28-year-old was unfairly being tried twice for the same crime.
    — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Such filings typically chronicle the impact of a defendant's crimes, as well as his history, upbringing and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • The framework scores models across risk categories, including cybersecurity, biological and chemical weapons, and a model’s ability to act autonomously.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Bregman singled in pinch-runner Kevin Alcantara off Grant Taylor in the seventh to tie the score.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of score
Noun
  • Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Where death’s grey skies loom large, the 2000s are portrayed in silvery black and white while ancient action takes place in vibrant colors, with Dante’s tale of sin and justice rolled into one story.
    — A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • Section 61 generally defines gross income quite broadly, including income from the discharge of indebtedness.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
  • That’s because one way a district can qualify for financial hardship is to have bond indebtedness of at least 60% of the total bonding capacity.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of indebtedness
Noun
  • Miles says similar texts were sent to others about the recall, and that the texts constitute quid pro quo, a major ethics violation.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The party also viewed Yabloko’s stance on Ukraine as unlawful and tantamount to calling for the violation of Russia’s territorial integrity.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • The Dania Beach headquarters campus that once served as the nerve center of now-defunct Spirit Airlines has been sold to a Boston hedge fund that served as the stalking horse bidder in a bankruptcy court auction.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • WalletHub considered a plethora of economic metrics, including bankruptcy rates, income growth, job opportunities and unemployment and poverty rates.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bankruptcy

Browse Nearby Words

debs
debt
debts
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Cite this Entry

“Debt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debt. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on debt

Nglish: Translation of debt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debt

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