Synonyms for
Owe
Definition
To be under an obligation to pay or repay someone or something in return for something received.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- owe money
- owe a debt
- owe a favor
- owe an apology
- owe thanks
- owe it to someone
- owe a living
Word family
Usage note
The verb 'owe' primarily refers to a financial debt or a moral obligation. It is important to distinguish between owing money and owing someone a favor or an apology.
Example sentences
- I owe my mom money for the candy bar I bought at the store.
- I owe my teacher an apology for being late to class.
- I owe my sister a thank you for helping me with my homework.
- I owe the library a book that I borrowed last month.
- I owe the bank a loan payment every month.
Quotes
I have always felt that the moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there. -Monica Baldwin
I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite. -G. K. Chesterton