prorate
verb
pro·rate
(ˌ)prō-ˈrāt 
ˈprō-ˌrāt
prorated; prorating
: to divide, distribute, or assess proportionately
: to make a pro rata distribution
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
For salary cap accounting purposes, this lump sum can be prorated (divided evenly) over the length of the contract to spread out the amount that counts against the cap.
—
Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Additionally, term lengths vary (some mattresses have lifetime warranties, while others have 10- or 20-year warranties), and some coverages may be prorated over time (the manufacturer may only cover a portion of the repair or replacement cost).
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 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
See All Example Sentences for prorate
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Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Additionally, term lengths vary (some mattresses have lifetime warranties, while others have 10- or 20-year warranties), and some coverages may be prorated over time (the manufacturer may only cover a portion of the repair or replacement cost).
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 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
See All Example Sentences for prorate
Cite this Entry
“Prorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prorate. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prorate
verb
pro·rate
(ˈ)prō-ˈrāt
prorated; prorating
: to divide or spread proportionately
prorate a weekly wage for three days of work
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