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 debt limit was last suspended by Congress as part of a bipartisan bill struck between former President Biden and GOP leadership in 2023, staving off the threat of national default through early 2025. Aris Folley, The Hill, 9 May 2025 That news sent Alphabet’s stock tumbling 8%, and for good reason: Now, an era where Google remains the default search engine is far from guaranteed. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 8 May 2025
Verb
But, the confusion regarding these systems, Hillman argues, means that many Americans may have defaulted on their student loans without fully understanding the consequences. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 1 May 2025 When that space is missing, individuals default to performance over purpose, and workplaces become transactional by design. Mary Hemphill, Phd, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • Now, Espinosa and his wife are suing the sheriff's office, alleging deliberate indifference and medical negligence.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • The lawsuit accuses other officers of assault, battery, false imprisonment and rape, and says the department is to blame because of negligence.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • When Jackson walked off the pitch and down the tunnel, Chelsea’s head coach appeared deliberately to ignore him.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Still, gaming’s impact on licensed music can’t be ignored.
    Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Scientists at a California biotech company first identified the disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to liver failure and death.
    Scott Suckow, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • Kennedy's new vision — and view of past 'failures' At times, Kennedy has praised the staff of HHS.
    Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Watson Coleman said that ICE attempted to delay and dissuade the lawmakers from entering the facility and ultimately disregarded their authority.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Executive overreach and disregard for the jurisdiction, independence, and Orders of courts is red meat for populist leaders and their followers.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • By law, the president can only fire members for cause, such as neglect of duty or malfeasance.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • Izquierdo decides emotionally wrenching cases involving abuse and neglect where a child’s custody is at stake.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Several of the groups also expressed frustration that the budget plan omitted their demands for legislation to slash new regulations covering the sale of AR-style pistols equipped with braces to help the handicapped steady shots at the range.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
  • New York and Washington, D.C.’s TRACONs were also omitted from the list.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Listen to this article The woman killed by an alligator on a Central Florida lake Tuesday was attacked after her canoe passed over the reptile in shallow water, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025
  • Multiple flights passed over the survivors but failed to spot them, local media reported.
    Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Plus, an in-demand restaurant at capacity might not feel particularly motivated to go above and beyond to satisfy a diner who feels slighted by their subpar table.
    Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Was slighting the defense to improve the offense worth risking a miss on several top defensive prospects?
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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