"Refused to pay as debt" can be understood as a description of someone's action of not paying off a debt. Some synonyms for this expression could be:
- "Declined to pay off debt": This phrase clearly shows that the person has decided not to make the payment for the debt they owe.
For example, "He declined to pay off debt, causing concerns among his creditors." - "Resisted paying the debt": Here, "resisted" implies a certain degree of opposition or reluctance in paying the debt.
For instance, "She resisted paying the debt, arguing about the terms of the loan." - "Balked at paying the debt": "Balked" suggests hesitation or refusal due to some reason.
As in, "The borrower balked at paying the debt, claiming financial hardship."
These synonyms can be used in different contexts to convey the same meaning as "refused to pay as debt", adding variety and nuance to your writing.