as in to pay
somewhat formal
to provide money for (something)
This will defray the costs.
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Recent Examples of defray
The winner of this year’s governor’s race will take the helm of a state investment council overseeing a roughly $68 billion state nest egg, including investments that defray costs for K-12 public education.
—
Morgan Lee, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Fundraiser helps defray cost of entertainment and city fees associated with Dinner Under the Stars 2026 Season.
—Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
The road to revolution had begun for both in 1765 with the Stamp Act, Britain’s first serious attempt to impose taxes on Americans to defray the costs of the French and Indian War.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
In return, Allen’s company receives most of the commercial spots in the programs, which his company can sell to advertisers to defray its costs.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defray
Morgan Lee, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Fundraiser helps defray cost of entertainment and city fees associated with Dinner Under the Stars 2026 Season.
—Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
The road to revolution had begun for both in 1765 with the Stamp Act, Britain’s first serious attempt to impose taxes on Americans to defray the costs of the French and Indian War.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
In return, Allen’s company receives most of the commercial spots in the programs, which his company can sell to advertisers to defray its costs.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defray
Verb
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Leslie, Milton-Jones and Dixon discussed the WNBA’s 30-season landmark before the game, paying tribute to Ogwumike and reflecting on what the WNBPA has achieved.—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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Recipients born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and those born after the 20th are paid on the fourth Wednesday.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Under the current initiative, known as the Low-Income Voucher and Equity (LIVE) Program, subsidized one-bedroom rents range from $2,900 to $3,100, while two-bedroom units range from $3,450 to $4,000.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
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Governor Kathy Hochul separately slashed the Manhattan shuttle-bus fare from $80 to $20, meaning two of the most powerful governors in the country spent the spring competing to subsidize FIFA, a private organization.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones has raised millions, including helping to get $800,000 in donations to fund a replica of a historic ship for the maritime museum in his San Diego district.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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The National Academy for AI Instruction, funded by Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, offers classes to teachers on how to use AI.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
20 June 2026
Verb
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What this doesn’t tell voters is that these ads are being financed by those in the AI industry who favor sensible regulation of artificial intelligence.—
Richard J. Davis,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
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According to the plan approved by the government on Monday, public radio and television would be financed from the state budget starting next year, and not from fees paid by individuals, households and businesses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defray. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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