subsidize

verb

sub·​si·​dize ˈsəb-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
-zə-
subsidized; subsidizing

transitive verb

: to furnish with a subsidy: such as
a
: to purchase the assistance of by payment of a subsidy
b
: to aid or promote (someone or something, such as a private enterprise) with public money
subsidize soybean farmers
subsidize public transportation
subsidization noun
subsidizer noun

Examples of subsidize in a Sentence

The state subsidizes housing for low-income families. She feels that private businesses should not be subsidized by taxpayers. The company subsidizes health insurance for its employees.
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.
Agency funds did much more than subsidize independent media. Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 11 July 2025 Lawmakers refused to help A year ago, Texas lawmakers rejected a bill to establish a statewide emergency response plan and subsidize protection for rural jurisdictions like Kerr County. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 By subsidizing inefficient programs and unnecessary administrators, the Golden Age of Master’s Degrees postponed higher education’s day of reckoning: the day colleges and universities will be held accountable for the economic outcomes of their graduates. Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 The issue with such a policy is that private school vouchers subsidize wealthy families who can already pay for private school, while decimating public schools for everyone else by diverting resources away from public education. Jessica Alcantara, Time, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subsidize

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsidize was in 1755

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subsidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsidize. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subsidize

verb
sub·​si·​dize ˈsəb-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce subsidize (audio)
-zə-
subsidized; subsidizing
: to aid or furnish with a subsidy
subsidization noun
subsidizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on subsidize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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