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.
However, Powell did not call for paying down the debt outright. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 Second, pay down high interest debt. Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 As part of paying down debt, Krispy Kreme sold its remaining stake in Insomnia Cookies for $75 million last year. Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 The tax refund could be used to pay high heating bills, pay down credit cards, cover a major home repair, buy a car or even save for the future. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 25 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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