prepay

verb

pre·​pay (ˌ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid (ˌ)prē-ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
Synonyms of prepaynext

transitive verb

: to pay or pay the charge on in advance
prepayment
(ˌ)prē-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce prepay (audio)
noun

Examples of prepay in a Sentence

Special orders must be prepaid.
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.
Customers paying with cash can still prepay for fuel inside the store. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Apr. 2026 Customers paying with cash can still prepay for their fuel inside. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Cruisers can usually prepay them before sailing, which helps to avoid a surprise at the end of the trip. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Those paying with cash can still prepay inside before fueling. — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prepay

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepay was in 1839

Rhymes for prepay

See All Rhymes for prepay

Browse Nearby Words

prepausal
prepay
prepayment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prepay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepay. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prepay

verb
pre·​pay (ˈ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid -ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
: to pay or pay for in advance
prepayment
-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce prepay (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

prepay

transitive verb
pre·​pay prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid; prepaying
: to pay or pay the charge on in advance (as of date due or maturity date)
no penalty for prepaying your student loan
prepayment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prepay

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prepay

Nglish: Translation of prepay for Spanish Speakers

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