default
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for default, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made.
“The phone's default ringtone can be changed in settings.”
How to use default
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
default on a loan
default setting
by default
Etymology
From Old French defaute ("fault, lack"), ultimately from Latin de- ("away") plus fallere ("to deceive, fail").
Full origin of default →Frequently asked questions
What does “default” mean?
The word “default” means a preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made. In plain terms, either the automatic/preset choice, or the act of failing to pay or fulfil an obligation.
How do you pronounce “default”?
“Default” is pronounced dih-FOLT (/dɪˈfɔlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “default” in a sentence?
Here is “default” used in a sentence: “The phone's default ringtone can be changed in settings.”
What part of speech is “default”?
Depending on how it is used, “default” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “default” come from?
The word “default” comes from Latin. From Old French defaute ("fault, lack"), ultimately from Latin de- ("away") plus fallere ("to deceive, fail").
Is “default” a common word?
“Default” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “default” have?
“Default” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a preset option or value used automatically when no other choice is made.
What is the difference between a "default" and a "preset"?
A default is the value or option used automatically when no other choice is made, and it applies until you change it. A preset is a saved configuration you can select on purpose, so a default is what you get without choosing, while a preset is something you deliberately pick.
What are common collocations with "default"?
In technology, common pairings include default setting, default value, and default option. In finance you see loan default, default on a payment, and in default of.
