pay

pay

verb

Definition of PAY

1

to give (someone) the sum of money owed for goods or services received <we need to pay the cashier and then we can leave>

Synonyms compensate, recompense, remunerate

Related Words refund, reimburse, repay, requite; remit; pay off, pay up, prepay

Near Antonyms stiff

2

to give what is owed for <you ought to pay that bill before it's overdue>

Synonyms ante up, balance, clear, discharge, foot, liquidate, meet, pay off, pay up, pony up, quit, recompense, settle, spring (for), stand

Antonyms repudiate

3

to hand over or use up in payment <rock fans were willing to pay enormous sums to get into the concert>

Synonyms disburse, drop, expend, fork (over, out, or up), give, lay out, outlay, pay, shell out

Related Words lavish, rain; blow, dissipate, fritter (away), run through, squander, throw away, waste

Near Antonyms cache, hoard, lay up, save; acquire, earn, gain, garner, make, procure, realize, secure, win

4

to produce as revenue <an investment paying six percent>

Synonyms bear, give, pay, return

Related Words bring in, net; afford, furnish, provide, supply; pay off

5

to provide with a paying job <pay someone to mow the lawn for the summer>

Synonyms assume, engage, fee [chiefly Scottish], hire, lay on [chiefly British], pay, place, recruit, retain, sign (up or on), take on

Related Words reemploy, reengage, rehire; apprentice, contract, job, partner, subcontract; enlist; advance, promote, upgrade; keep (on); headhunt, scout

Near Antonyms furlough, lay off, lock out

Antonyms ax (or axe), can, discharge, dismiss, fire, sack