as in to pay
somewhat formal
to provide money for (something)
This will defray the costs.
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Recent Examples of defray
There are ways, however, that Disney can defray that deficit.
—
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Decker installed a solar panel array to help defray the cost and impact of the electricity used by his computers and crypto mining activities, and submitted a report to SMUD explaining why his usage was elevated.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
All five received stipends to help defray their trip costs, Reiner said.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
The first customers for the gadget (introduced in mid-2018) have been parents who use it to calm their children, particularly those with special needs, and students who use it to defray stress during exams.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Jan. 2019
See All Example Sentences for defray
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Decker installed a solar panel array to help defray the cost and impact of the electricity used by his computers and crypto mining activities, and submitted a report to SMUD explaining why his usage was elevated.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
All five received stipends to help defray their trip costs, Reiner said.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
The first customers for the gadget (introduced in mid-2018) have been parents who use it to calm their children, particularly those with special needs, and students who use it to defray stress during exams.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Jan. 2019
See All Example Sentences for defray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defray
Verb
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There are also fears that doctors in these practices may focus too much on keeping paying patients happy, rather than providing the best disease management or medical care, researchers said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
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The jump in community college enrollment shows that more people feel this type of education sets them up to find a well-paying job without going into heavy debt, officials at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College said.—
Bebe Hodges,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Most of its residents rely on the low-cost insurance subsidized by the federal and state governments.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Sep. 2025
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This method ensures costs are shared fairly and stops residential customers from subsidizing commercial loads.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Seely's role is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Chinese government runs an array of grantmaking programs to fund and promote research aligned with its national interests.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The project is expected to cost roughly $95 million and will be financed through a combination of private equity, debt and public sales tax dollars through a community improvement district that commissioners approved earlier this summer.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
29 Aug. 2025
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The central bank printed money to finance Argentina’s deficit, leading to hyperinflation that peaked at 292% in April 2024.—
Ryan Hogg,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defray. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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