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Dictionary.com
Definitions

owe

[oh] / oʊ /
VERB
have an obligation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
incur
STRONG
lost
WEAK
be beholden be bound be contracted be in arrears be in debt be indebted be into one for be obligated be under obligation behind feel bound get on credit have borrowed in hock on the tab ought to run up a bill
Antonyms
WEAK
pay resolve settle

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.

"Can you send me the money you owe me," she wrote in a message.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

A $100 million estate would owe $14.8 million.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Don’t miss: ‘He didn’t seem very alert’: Our CPA said we owe the IRS $443, but we’re actually due a refund of $637.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

It’s a candid and canny strategy to include in his book such a bracing reminder that the world may need art, but it doesn’t owe artists a living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“I owe you, big-time. You saved my life.”

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins