subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē How to pronounce subsidy (audio)
-zə-
plural subsidies
Synonyms of subsidynext
: a grant or gift of money: such as
a
: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation
b
: money granted by one state to another
c
: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms of subsidy

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Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit. government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure
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 issue is not whether subsidies or concessional capital should exist. — Yariv Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The figures are a stark sign of the shift in car-buying preferences in the US, as affordability concerns, political posturing and the end of federal subsidies have undercut EV demand. — Bloomberg, Oc Register, 21 July 2026 Both properties — the rubble pile and Pryor’s home, alive with puppies and chickens — are on the list of houses for which Adak Eagle received subsidies to connect to the internet. — Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, 20 July 2026 Rising fuel costs and a pullback in electric vehicle subsidies have contributed to the struggles of Chinese automakers' as consumer demand slides. — Matthew Tan,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subsidy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsidy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing subsidy

Browse Nearby Words

subsidized
subsidy
subsieve
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Cite this Entry

“Subsidy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsidy. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subsidy

noun
sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē How to pronounce subsidy (audio)
-zəd-
plural subsidies
: a grant or gift especially of money
especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public

More from Merriam-Webster on subsidy

Nglish: Translation of subsidy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subsidy

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