prorate

verb

pro·​rate (ˌ)prō-ˈrāt 

ˈprō-ˌrāt

prorated; prorating

transitive verb

: to divide, distribute, or assess proportionately

intransitive verb

: to make a pro rata distribution

proration

prō-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Synonyms of prorate

• distribute
• dispense
• allocate
• divide
• provide
• administer
• assign
• apportion

Examples of prorate in a Sentence

The player's annual salary was prorated because he only played for the last three months of the season.

shares in the company's profits were prorated according to the workers' length of service

Recent Examples on the Web

Awards for short-term training will likely be prorated for the program's length. — Cory Turner, NPR, 10 June 2026

Remember, base salary counts against the cap in the current year, whereas bonus money can be prorated over up to five seasons. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 June 2026

His base salary, bonus, and equity were prorated in the company’s financial statements for the time in his new role. — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

For salary cap accounting purposes, this lump sum can be prorated (divided evenly) over the length of the contract to spread out the amount that counts against the cap. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

pro rata

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for prorate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

prorate

verb

pro·​rate (ˈ)prō-ˈrāt 

prorated; prorating

: to divide or spread proportionately

prorate a weekly wage for three days of work

proration

prō-ˈrā-shən 

noun