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 Casad farm is still paying down the debts from the last drought. Emily Cureton Cook, ProPublica, 26 June 2026 She's also dreamed about paying down that future pool by listing it on Swimply. Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 3 July 2026 Every dollar earned went toward paying down production debt and keeping the project alive. Dj Hale, IndieWire, 23 June 2026 Part of that includes not creating and funding new programs, and then directing revenues as the economy grows to pay down local taxing districts. Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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