as in to pay
somewhat formal
to provide money for (something)
This will defray the costs.
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Recent Examples of defray
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
That sum effectively defrays the production costs, while providing exclusive access to sports TV’s most clutter-free ad environment.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defray
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
That sum effectively defrays the production costs, while providing exclusive access to sports TV’s most clutter-free ad environment.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defray
Verb
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The row between crypto companies and banks came down to whether those offering stablecoin accounts should be able to pay interest on deposits like traditional bank accounts, with banking groups warning that the stability of the financial system could be undermined as people move their money.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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To pay for her medical bills, the family had to sell most of their remaining cattle and goats, a bitter blow after years of drought had already decimated local herds.—
Tommy Trenchard,
NPR,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The British government refused to subsidize food prices or restrict exports of Irish agricultural goods, further devastating the island.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
And the government subsidizes mortgages, so taking on leverage is easier.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Authorities say that Oppenheimer’s drug business was partially funded through $40,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The appropriations bill signed into law in January 2026 retained the research office, funded NOAA at roughly $6 billion and directed the agency not to close its laboratories.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Verb
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If Ukraine is degrading Russia’s battlespace depth, energy infrastructure, and war-supporting industrial base, the United States and its allies should add pressure against the seaborne revenue channels that help finance and sustain the war.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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Takaichi has sought to dispel worries in the bond market, saying that the extra spending would be financed by issuing deficit-covering bonds.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defray. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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