pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down
Synonyms of pay downnext

transitive verb

: to reduce (a debt) by repaying in part

Examples of pay down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The funds were used to pay down bank debt incurred during COVID-19, help pay off capital expenses to enhance its stadium, Anfield, and repurchase the Melwood training ground. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026 At first, it was thought that over time, governments would want to allow growth to organically whittle down debt-to-income ratios, which is the ideal way to pay down massive peacetime spending and tax cut binges. — Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026 Despite rising costs, borrowers are showing more discipline by paying down debt and improving credit scores. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 In the most part, IEEFA's Williams-Derry said oil companies have sought to stockpile cash reserves and pay down debt to improve their balance sheets. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pay down

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pay down was in 1975

Rhymes for pay down

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Browse Nearby Words

pay dividends
pay down
PAYE
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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