Synonyms for

Debts

Verb / dets / Another word for debts — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Debts are money that you owe to someone else.

Synonyms & similar words

debt liabilities indebtedness arrears borrowings obligations deficits overdrafts payables charges

Synonyms by register

Formal

obligations liabilities indebtedness

Informal

dues bills what's owed

Literary

encumbrances burdens

Antonyms

assets possessions wealth riches credits funds property

Common collocations

  • accumulate debts
  • pay off debts
  • incur debts
  • manage debts
  • reduce debts
  • settle debts
  • outstanding debts
  • public debts

Word family

noun debt
verb indebt
adjective indebted

Usage note

While 'debts' is the plural of 'debt', it's often used in a collective sense to refer to the total amount owed. It's important to distinguish between personal debts and national or public debts.

Example sentences

  1. I need to pay off my debts before I can buy a new toy.
  2. My mom and dad have to work hard to pay off their debts.
  3. It's important to pay your debts on time so you don't get into trouble.
  4. I borrowed money from my friend and now I have a debt to pay back.
  5. Some people have a lot of debts because they spend too much money.

Quotes

  • A man in debt is so far a slave. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Debt is a trap, especially student debt, which is enormous, far larger than credit card debt. It's a trap for the rest of your life because the laws are designed so that you can't get out of it without paying it off. - Noam Chomsky
  • Debt is a prolific mother of folly and of crime. - Benjamin Disraeli

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