prorate

verb

pro·​rate (ˌ)prō-ˈrāt How to pronounce prorate (audio)
ˈprō-ˌrāt
prorated; prorating
Synonyms of proratenext

transitive verb

: to divide, distribute, or assess proportionately

intransitive verb

: to make a pro rata distribution
proration noun

Examples of prorate in a Sentence

The player's annual salary was prorated because he only played for the last three months of the season. shares in the company's profits were prorated according to the workers' length of service
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.
For accounting purposes, option bonuses are prorated over a maximum of five years. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Denver could cut his cap number almost in half by guaranteeing him $8-10 million, paying it as a bonus and prorating it out. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026 Full membership in the club costs $100, but that cost currently would be prorated to $60 since the season, which runs from October to May, is nearing the end. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026 In both cases the repayment provision must be set out in an agreement separate from the employment contract, any repayment must be prorated based on the remaining term of any retention period, and the employer can’t demand repayment if the employee is fired, except for misconduct. Kathleen Pender, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prorate

Word History

Etymology

pro rata

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of prorate was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prorate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

prorate

verb
pro·​rate (ˈ)prō-ˈrāt How to pronounce prorate (audio)
prorated; prorating
: to divide or spread proportionately
prorate a weekly wage for three days of work
proration noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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