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pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down

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.
Lawmakers need to demonstrate more discipline, prioritize better, budget responsibly, pay down our debts and re-establish our dwindling reserves. Kelly Seyarto, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025 Between 2019 and 2022, the village lost $193 million to pay down debt for the project, as costs far outpaced tax revenue from Foxconn, according to financial reports. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025 The bill is coming due, and cities and states that pay down debt quickly and right-size government will be best positioned for the future. Mariana Trujillo, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025 Nonetheless, Trump on Monday said tariff dividends could be sent out next year, and revenue would still be used to pay down the federal deficit. Addy Bink, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

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