subsidize

verb

sub·​si·​dize ˈsəb-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
-zə-
subsidized; subsidizing
Synonyms of subsidizenext

transitive verb

: to furnish with a subsidy: such as
a
: to purchase the assistance of by payment of a subsidy
b
: to aid or promote (someone or something, such as a private enterprise) with public money
subsidize soybean farmers
subsidize public transportation
subsidization
ˌsəb-sə-də-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
-zə-
noun
subsidizer noun

Synonyms of subsidize

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Examples of subsidize in a Sentence

The state subsidizes housing for low-income families. She feels that private businesses should not be subsidized by taxpayers. The company subsidizes health insurance for its employees.
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.
In the 80s and 90s, even major teams had often been run on razor-thin margins (and were subsidized by owners). — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 31 July 2026 For decades, China has heavily subsidized its pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. — Paul Friedrichs, STAT, 30 July 2026 Until now, bakers have used premium cheese, za’atar, and ghee versions of the bread to subsidize the price of the plain ones. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 Expand utility moratoriums and subsidize cooling costs during heat emergencies to prevent preventable deaths tied to power loss or inability to afford AC. — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subsidize

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsidize was in 1755

Rhymes for subsidize

See All Rhymes for subsidize

Browse Nearby Words

subsidization
subsidize
subsidized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subsidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsidize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subsidize

verb
sub·​si·​dize ˈsəb-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
-zə-
subsidized; subsidizing
: to aid or furnish with a subsidy
subsidization
ˌsəb-səd-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
ˌsəb-zəd-
noun
subsidizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on subsidize

Nglish: Translation of subsidize for Spanish Speakers

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