Synonyms for

Owes

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

Definition

To have an obligation to pay or repay someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

owe

Synonyms by register

Formal

is indebted is liable for is obligated to

Informal

has to pay back is on the hook for owes money

Literary

is beholden is debtor

Antonyms

earns acquires gains receives gets earns profits

Common collocations

  • owes a debt
  • owes money
  • owes a favor
  • owes an apology
  • owes a lot to
  • owes its success to
  • owes its existence to

Word family

noun debt
verb owe
adjective indebted

Usage note

The verb 'owe' typically refers to a financial obligation or a moral/social duty. It is often followed by 'to' when specifying the recipient of the debt or favor.

Example sentences

  1. He owes me a favor for helping him.
  2. The company owes its employees a raise.
  3. She owes the library a fine for keeping the book too long.
  4. I owe my success to my hard work.
  5. He owes his life to the doctor who saved him.

Quotes

  • I owe everything to my parents and a little bit to Sesame Street. - Maya Angelou
  • I'm a person who, when I owe someone money, always pays them back. - Kristen Bell
  • I owe much to my friends; but, all things considered, it strikes me that I owe even more to my enemies. - Francois de La Rochefoucauld

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