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.
Before applying, review your credit reports for errors, make other debt payments on time and pay down credit card and other debt balances when possible. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The sale to real estate investment firm EPR Properties was part of Six Flags’ strategy to simplify what the company owns, strengthen its operations on parks with growth potential and pay down debt. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 And in general, despite subscriber losses, these channels are still profitable and often used to fund other parts of media businesses, such as building out streaming services or paying down heavy debt loads. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay down debts. — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 21 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pay down

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