prepay

verb

pre·​pay (ˌ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid (ˌ)prē-ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
Synonyms of prepaynext

transitive verb

: to pay or pay the charge on in advance
prepayment noun

Examples of prepay in a Sentence

Special orders must be prepaid.
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.
Most recently, Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, which got rid of a requirement for USPS to prepay future retiree health benefits and canceled about $57 billion in past-due prefunding payments. Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026 Beck — along with many other Minnesota farmers — prepays for most of his fertilizer from local cooperatives months ahead of growing season, so the war has not suddenly inflated his fertilizer costs. Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 Officials say over the last 10 years, Kaufman took the money from people who prepaid for funerals and used it for personal expenses, including paying his salary. Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 Those who pay with cash can still prepay inside stores prior to fueling. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prepay

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepay was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prepay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepay. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

prepay

verb
pre·​pay (ˈ)prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid -ˈpād How to pronounce prepay (audio) ; prepaying
: to pay or pay for in advance
prepayment noun

Legal Definition

prepay

transitive verb
pre·​pay prē-ˈpā How to pronounce prepay (audio)
prepaid; prepaying
: to pay or pay the charge on in advance (as of date due or maturity date)
no penalty for prepaying your student loan
prepayment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prepay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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