as in paying
somewhat formal
to provide money for (something)
This will defray the costs.
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Recent Examples of defraying
Installation costs can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, which is why most federal and state policies promoting heat pump adoption have focused on defraying them.
—
Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defraying
Verb
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Local unions can avoid a recertification vote by having 60% of teachers paying dues, which automatically re-certifies the chapter.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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Under this framework, companies connecting significant new demand to the grid are responsible for paying the costs associated with serving their projects, including 100% of any new power generation required to serve their needs.—
Scott Bores,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Democrats are for subsidizing childcare for working parents as well as providing food and housing assistance for low-income Americans.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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In recent years, Cuba’s government has talked about subsidizing people in need instead of goods.—
Danica Coto,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Adames would have paid his playing-time penance (as well as a fine to the team’s kangaroo court — perhaps funding a postgame pizza party), and everyone would have moved on from the mistake.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
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In March, Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defense forces and several senior officials, accusing them of funding the M23 rebels who have taken over mineral-rich areas of eastern DR Congo.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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These cities are building quickly on flood-prone land, financing infrastructure through debt mechanisms that future residents will inherit, and betting that car-dependent sprawl is a durable model for community life.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
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But behind the scenes, Lebron, 32, tells PEOPLE, the new influx of cash was financing a severe drug addiction.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defraying. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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