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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.

New grads might opt for default retirement and health-insurance plans without much research.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

The company completed the rollout on Facebook Messenger in 2023 and later made the feature optional on Instagram with plans to make it default.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The AI can then place Teen Account protections onto those accounts, which are default safety setting for users that restrict messaging and other activities on the platforms.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

In recent years, a majority of younger viewers have come to prefer smartphones over TVs as default hubs for visual entertainment.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

Bear Stearns couldn’t believe that these young guys with no money wanted to buy not just credit default swaps but a credit default swap so esoteric that no one else had bought it.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing default

Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Great Depression and The New Deal

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!