1
as in obligations
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 crimes
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 debts
Caruso and Steyer could easily finance campaigns for governor, freeing themselves from the chore of raising money and thus incurring political debts to supporters.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
The three major credit bureaus stopped reporting medical debts below $500 in April 2023.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
Credit-rating agencies saw richer locales as very likely to repay their debts and gave them sweet deals on interest rates, which meant that these towns owed less to those who’d bought their bonds.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
The resolution of casino debts is often its own drama, whether in liquidating assets or arriving at complex arrangements for payment.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
Mochen claimed, and text messages from Kaliyev appear to confirm to the Post, that Kaliyev was even barred from practices over the unpaid debts.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Eventually, it’s expected that the full extent of the fund’s debts will again appear on the club’s books, as the Espai project’s costs rise until completion.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Their concern is for the day when confidence in the bond market wanes, when buyers of America’s borrowing question whether Uncle Sam can really pay his debts.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Others required up to $8,000 to pay off debts and afford an apartment deposit.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debts
Noun
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During the meeting Monday evening, two residents called for stronger oversight of the project, raising concerns about the city’s obligations, should the development stall.—
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For instance, a user might encounter transaction limits, identity verification requirements, or reporting obligations, particularly for large amounts.—
Noun
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His failure to accomplish his objectives does not mitigate the profoundly dangerous nature of his crimes.—
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The county saw a reduction in major crimes, according to the police department, during the summer of 2025.—
Noun
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Poland can move from navigating the liabilities of geography to shaping the norms and infrastructure beyond Earth.—
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Beneficiaries may choose to withhold taxes from their Social Security benefits to anticipate those tax liabilities.—
Noun
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That, plus the lack of talent and cap space thanks to the sins of the Deshaun Watson contract, for which general manager Andrew Berry was somehow spared, makes life difficult for whatever quarterback(s) start for the Browns in 2026.—
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Yet what elevates the show is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness.—
Noun
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There hasn’t been a municipal court determination, no dangerous animal designations or violations, nor citations against her or Oakley, Skelton said.—
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The city’s suit alleges seven causes of action against the defendants, including trespass, public nuisance and several violations of the Administrative Procedures Act.—
Cite this Entry
“Debts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debts. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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