default 1 of 2

Definition of defaultnext
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
However, as Google well knows, people rarely change the default settings on their phones. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 Hundreds of thousands more are behind on loan payments and at risk of default this year. ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
Sensing that gap, workers default to skepticism. Bob Batchelor, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 Perhaps most telling, when left with nothing else to do, our brains default to thinking about the future. Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for default
Recent Examples of Synonyms for default
Noun
  • In other words, if that water heater explodes, then the investor will be personally sued for negligence in not replacing it, and the liability shield of the real property company is thus circumvented.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The passengers are accusing Delta of negligence, negligence per se and a violation of the Montreal Convention.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • According to Castillo, one of the most significant failures has been the tendency to treat many squatter complaints as civil disputes rather than criminal investigations.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • His father, who founded the Link Piano and Organ Company, probably disregarded the sketch as a young boy’s fantasy.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
  • For the next several months, Zaayer continued harassing both Shawna's family and the police by shouting at their grandchild, disregarding property lines and recording them and making false claims on social media, per The Guardian.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Some business owners say crime and neglect are driving away customers.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Disabled people are disproportionately represented in detention, where inaccessible conditions, inadequate medical care, and systemic neglect put lives at risk.
    Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • This bill would omit many of the standard responsibilities for financial institutions that were put in place to protect national security after the horrific attacks of 9/11.
    Richard Nephew, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Trump’s budget omitted the request entirely and Duffy responded to the delegation’s letter urging LA Metro to apply for funds under existing programs to meet its needs.
    Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Firefighters are trained to use their limbs to hold the corners of the shelters to the ground and create the best possible seal from heat and gases as flames pass over them.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Back in his coaching career, Cruyff was one of the first managers to be obsessed with the cut of the pitch — a trait that has passed over to his disciples, most notably the exacting Pep Guardiola.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Luckily for Rhaena, Lady Jeyne is a pragmatist — and one who feels slighted by Rhaenyra.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • Militia commanders were already feeling slighted by their British overlords, and London’s stranglehold on trade and manufacturing caused still more resentment.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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