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Definitions

default

[dih-fawlt, dee-fawlt] / dɪˈfɔlt, ˈdiˌfɔlt /
NOUN
failure; want
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delinquency nonpayment
STRONG
absence blemish blunder dearth defect deficiency dereliction disregard error fault imperfection inadequacy insufficiency lack lapse miss neglect offense omission overlooking oversight privation shortcoming slight transgression vice weakness wrongdoing
Antonyms
STRONG
abundance accuracy achievement adequacy advantage attention care correction enough excess obedience perfection plenty regard remembrance respect right strength strong point success sufficiency
WEAK
payment satisfaction
VERB
dodge payment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
evade
STRONG
bilk defraud dishonor fail neglect repudiate shirk skate skip stiff swindle
WEAK
leave town meet under arch put on the cuff run out on see in the alley skip out on
Antonyms
STRONG
complete do meet
WEAK
pay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These days, on guard feels like the default mode.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

This puts high-yield bonds and leveraged loans at a greater risk of default than investment-grade bonds, so they pay higher yields.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

These days, on guard feels like the default mode.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

A deferred repair can become a mortgage default risk if a homeowner can no longer meet a lender’s insurance requirements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

It was determined by Goldman Sachs and Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, who decided each day whether Mike Burry’s credit default swaps had made or lost money.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis