DEFAULT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

default 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈfȯlt

Definition of default

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

as in to ignore

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 number of likes and reactions on posts will be hidden by default. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Of the host of safeguards listed in the settlement, many are on as a default. — Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

As Built In reported, when managers reward accelerated output above all else, employees default to quantity over quality, and those on the receiving end spend extra time fixing what AI produced. — Dan Schawbel, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Fatigue, low motivation, weight gain and irritability are being reclaimed by primary care as signals of sleep debt, metabolic disease and untreated depression rather than default hormone problems. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for default

Recent Examples of Synonyms for default

Noun

The former child star is now suing Disney over negligence, alleging that the studio failed to protect her or investigate despite warning signs of abuse.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026
Should there be a lawsuit against the zoo’s owner for negligence?

— Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of negligence

Verb

The stock that spent two years being ignored by the same investors who loaded up on Hilton and Marriott is now having its moment.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Alicia McCalla, 56, a fiction writer who has been doing voice work for five years out of her home in Atlanta, decided to ignore union suggestions and clone her voice.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignore

Noun

The failures resulted in a divorce during the offseason and this exhibition game at Hard Rock Stadium was the first time the couple happened to be at the same place at the same time since the split.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
For five months, these players have underperformed, much to the chagrin of their front offices and the fans, who repeatedly boo their failures.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of failure

Noun

Both Walter and Lefever have pleaded not guilty to three counts of chronic neglect of a child causing great bodily harm and two counts of chronic neglect of a child causing emotional damage, his online records show.

— Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Iron Jane follows Janie John (González), who after a childhood shaped by neglect and invisibility, is pulled into a world that finally sees her, where pain is power and bodies are built, not born.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of neglect

Verb

Grealish was subsequently omitted from City’s squad for the summer’s Club World Cup, prior to his Everton switch.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Much like whiteness itself, America can only admire its virtues by strategically omitting most of its own history.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of omit

Verb

Tomlin played the brilliant Violet Newstead, a widow who was passed over for a promotion despite being the most qualified person for the job.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Around 92% of the lunar surface will be covered when the eclipse passes over the KC skies, and the moon will be significantly darker with a slight red hue that can be seen with the naked eye.

— Joseph Hernandez August 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of pass over

Verb

But after reaching All-Star status for the first time in his career, after keeping the Heat afloat through the first half of last season while Herro was sidelined, Norman Powell need offer no apology for feeling slighted.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
The poem is rife with open meanings; however, its principal question is important for anyone who has felt slighted or discouraged from conducting their lives with reverie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

defatted

default

defaulted

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“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/default. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of default

noun

verb

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