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.
Signing bonuses, in particular, are often prorated over multiple years for salary cap purposes, which is why the timing of a trade can matter. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Each year, the Patriots can choose to either exercise Brown’s option bonus and prorate it over five seasons for salary-cap purposes, or decline the option and take the entire amount on that year’s cap. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026 In his recent filing, the actor requested that the potential bonus amount be prorated to the date of the children's graduations. Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 May 2026 His base salary, bonus, and equity were prorated in the company’s financial statements for the time in his new role. Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 12 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prorate. Accessed 9 Jun. 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
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