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 family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help defray the huge financial burden for Jenna and her husband Matthew.
—
Josh Mankiewicz, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
Those who move to New York or other big metro areas with similar aspirations may take steps to try to defray the high cost of living, Garrett said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025
To defray those costs, the state has awarded another $400 million in tax credits to 1888 Studios.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2025
The Cardinals sent $20 million to the Red Sox to help defray the costs of Gray's $35 million salary for 2026.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defray
Josh Mankiewicz, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
Those who move to New York or other big metro areas with similar aspirations may take steps to try to defray the high cost of living, Garrett said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025
To defray those costs, the state has awarded another $400 million in tax credits to 1888 Studios.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2025
The Cardinals sent $20 million to the Red Sox to help defray the costs of Gray's $35 million salary for 2026.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defray
Verb
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This means any unpaid amount, whether utilities or other charges, can make an account delinquent because it must be paid at the same time as rent.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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Planting a vineyard in the Bay Area can cost between $30,000 and $80,000 per acre, but some are choosing to just leave them sit rather than pay to maintain them.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Most of Spanberger’s affordability plans force average citizens to subsidize other groups, such as climate companies and smokers, through their regular purchases.—
Judge Glock,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Kansas Department of Commerce is defending its plan to heavily subsidize the Kansas City Chiefs’ next stadium against critics who say the deal’s terms could potentially leave the state in a financially precarious position.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The state primarily funds public schools based on average daily attendance.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Jan. 2026
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FQHCs are partially funded by the federal government.—
Blake Farmer,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trump vetoes a bill that would help deliver clean drinking water to southeastern Colorado communities by financing a pipeline.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
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The group is planning to finance, create and sell content at the intersection of sports and culture—the very nexus Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin has sought to dominate via apparel, trading cards and sports betting.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defray. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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