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
Developers, contractors, lenders, subcontractors, and even law firms are all suing and counter-suing one another for everything from unpaid fees to loan defaults to fraud. New Atlas, 22 Feb. 2025 With several pension funds on the brink of default, the Bank of England had to announce three emergency interventions to save the bond market. Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Harvey Weinstein, 72, filed the claims late last week in a long-running civil case in New York City involving a lender accusing him of defaulting on the loan. Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025 The sale includes jewelry pieces that were seized after the rapper defaulted. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • In addition to the law firm’s other work, Rader handles cases related to reproductive negligence (embryo destruction) and unregulated behavior in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector.
    Andrew Rader, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Both leveled the following allegations: intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligence; negligent supervision; negligent retention/hiring; negligent failure to warn, train or educate; and breach of fiduciary duty.
    KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And no, not because Disney is ignoring him or passing him over.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • But in the 1990s, when social practice art was gaining traction within European museums (especially in the United Kingdom), most Latin American institutions were ignoring that development, which remained limited to underground networks.
    Fabiola Iza, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When compared to other ethnicities and races, Blacks are disproportionately affected by the health burdens and diseases that lead to organ failure and result in the need for an organ transplant, especially kidney transplants.
    Andrew Jones, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Obituaries Norma Rae Long, an educator who taught sports and directed lifelong learning programs, died of multiple organ failure Feb. 15 at Gilchrist Center Towson.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Such attitudes disregard the hard realities of life in the United States for certain Americans.
    K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Pentagon, Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) all instructed employees to disregard the email or said ignoring it would not result in termination.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Harris, a Biden appointee, will serve until her term expires in 2028 unless removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In January, White pled guilty to two counts of child neglect after initially pleading not guilty to the charges.
    Laura Barcella, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So every year, a few notable entertainers are omitted, which often causes an outcry on social media.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Riddle us this: Is an Oscar telecast a real Oscar telecast if there isn’t Sunday night quarterbacking over who was omitted from the annual In Memoriam segment?
    Michael Ausiello, TVLine, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In nearly every workplace, talented employees get passed over for promotions, big projects, and leadership roles.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article The Colorado legislature on Friday officially condemned the pardons issued by President Donald Trump to people convicted for their actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol — but its resolution passed over the universal objections of the Republican minority.
    Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But don’t slight Southern California’s earlier signature trees.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • More than 65 breweries will be present, and while San Diego is slighted — the only local in the lineup is North Park Beer Co. — this is a heavy-hitting group: Russian River, Trillium, Garage Project, Three Floyds, Cellarmaker, Alchemist and the like.
    Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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