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
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Recent Examples of debt
Distributing the estate After debts and taxes are paid, the court reviews the estate’s final accounting and approves the plan for distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs according to the will.
—
Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Under current state law, lawmakers must file annual disclosure statements that describe their finances, debts and property holdings, alongside financial information about their spouses.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Pay down credit card debt with high interest rates.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
How long do creditors wait before accepting a debt settlement offer?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debt
Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Under current state law, lawmakers must file annual disclosure statements that describe their finances, debts and property holdings, alongside financial information about their spouses.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Pay down credit card debt with high interest rates.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
How long do creditors wait before accepting a debt settlement offer?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debt
Noun
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Told through first-person narration and stylized imagery, the film charts his attempts to reconcile a criminal past with family obligations and shifting moral ground.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Since 2016, federal officials allege, Meade has been trying to avoid paying the tax obligation through a number of tactics, which include withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing cashier’s checks from his business accounts.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The evidence relating to these crimes was of special interest, given that Kirwan’s murder and Gately’s surveillance are also part of the charge against Kinahan.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
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Butts is charged with one count of false pretenses ($100,000 or more), three counts of false pretenses ($50,000 or more but less than $100,000), two counts of false pretenses ($20,000 or more but less than $50,000), 12 counts of identity theft, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The ball slid right underneath his glove, allowing two runs to score, and Semien to end up at second.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Richter came to the plate in the top of the sixth with one out and the score tied 2-2.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The galley starts directly next to the lounge with an available 90-L Isotherm door fridge/freezer and extends down the passenger sidewall with a countertop with inbuilt sin and available portable induction cooktop.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2026
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For Nikolas Indigo, the road to freedom was lined with warnings against a life of sin.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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If passed, school districts would have to include payments of bonds, indebtedness and contracts.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Felicia Anderson, 39, is wanted on a half-dozen criminal counts, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and weapons violations.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
This is a brazen violation of international law.—
Lincoln Anderson,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Bed Bath & Beyond closed its 360 brick-and-mortar locations in 2023 after filing for bankruptcy.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
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He was accused of embezzling client funds for his own personal spending; he was sued by his former law firm partners; and his law firm was facing bankruptcy.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debt. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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