default 1 of 2

as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action a default in the repayment of a bank loan

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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 default in baking, however, is considered light brown. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025 The package could raise the nation’s debt ceiling to allow more borrowing and prevent a federal default. Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
But he has been lulled lately into playing Luke Richardson’s more conservative game (or maybe the players default to that). Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Each type is given full attention, with examples of how a person with this go-to style might default to certain responses when encountering conflict. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for default 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • The abandonment charge was eventually downgraded to negligence, and the drug charge was dropped.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • But somehow my stupidity and negligence caused the fire.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Prison staff had ignored warning signs of his suicide, the lawsuit claims.
    Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sensors capture physical parameters – such as temperature, vibration, or fluid flow – and process them locally to detect anomalies, predict equipment failures, and adjust workflows autonomously.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • This is based partly on experience and partly on the drive failure data that Backblaze has been publishing for years now.
    Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As Newsweek points out, a sense of entitlement can lead people to disregard common social norms, creating friction in seemingly mundane situations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Does Beyoncé winning Album of the Year help emerging Black artists get more radio play, or record deals that come with healthcare, or even the playing field in a landscape that disregards and disrespects Black women?
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Kelly Rita Perrigo was arrested this week in connection with a complaint made in September by the child's mother A nurse practitioner in Florida is accused of child neglect after allegedly starving a child who needs 24/7 medical care.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The report found one instance in which DCF found that allegations of physical and emotional neglect against an ABA employee were substantiated.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Making maps is about making decisions about what to omit and what to include.
    Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Before baking, sprinkle with 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and omit the powdered sugar in Step 3.
    Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado — Talent supersedes need here, as there's no blocker worthy of passing over the draft's most electrifying player.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Later on, a smaller rain cell passed over the track, causing another red flag before racing resumed again.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The new league could add more costs for the NBA and its owners but also tarnish its brand or create friction for European fans of existing teams who do not join the NBA’s league or feel slighted by it.
    Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Trump, as is his custom, makes everything about himself and feels slighted by events that few others would consider offensive.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near default

Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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