DEBTS Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

debts

noun

plural of debt

as in obligations

something (as money) which is owed he filed for bankruptcy when his debts exceeded his assets

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as in crimes

a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our debts

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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 debts About $1 billion in unpaid debts was added in less than two years during Johnson’s term as of November 2025, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 That’s after excluding wealth from the top 1% of households, subtracting debts and other liabilities, as well as deducting retirement spending, charitable donations, taxes and fees. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 There was plenty of evidence on this point, the most important being that the Kittrells were being chased by creditors at the time of their transfers and the transfers left them insolvent and unable to satisfy their debts. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The 15-minute video, which garnered more than half a million views, resonated with others who had also lost money, anonymously detailing their own debts in thousands of comments. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Kmatta/Getty Images Old debts have a way of resurfacing when borrowers least expect them. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Auto loans tend to come with lower interest rates than credit card debts, but for many people, their car is essential for commuting to and from work. — Mallika Mitra, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 That becomes more difficult when an offer from another school could pay off family debts, buy a parent a home or provide security beyond a football career that may end suddenly. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The transfer freeze comes as the club’s owner, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), moves to address a financial crisis at the club, whose debts now exceed 800 million riyals ($213 million), according to Arriyadiyah. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 30 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debts

Noun

But fewer will be able to afford the choice, especially when housing, family obligations and student debt are part of the calculation.

— Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
The presidential pardon relieved him of his remaining federal probation obligations.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligations

Noun

While there is no solid evidence that psychics can solve crimes, some law enforcement agencies use them when traditional leads run dry.

— Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Judges are free to ignore sentencing guidelines, which are intended to reduce disparities in punishments levied for the same crimes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of crimes

Noun

Shareholders’ equity is what remains after the company has paid all its liabilities.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Johnson pledged to make the payment — aimed at chipping away at the city’s towering unfunded pension liabilities — during the Chicago Investor Conference.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of liabilities

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
Seven of our contributors gamely shared (some of) their secret sins.

— Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of sins

Noun

It’s designed to limit TAPPS rule violations and relies more on fact than the UIL’s process, which is designed to allow coaches to voice their opinions if necessary.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026
Sources say that the information sharing included details about immigrants who are just suspected of civil immigration violations, such as overstaying their visa.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of violations

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debts

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“Debts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debts. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of debts

noun

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