as in pays
somewhat formal
to provide money for (something)
This will defray the costs.
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Recent Examples of defrays
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
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defrays
Verb
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Inspired by Portugal’s traditional and contemporary flavors, Baleia also pays respect to the country’s seamen—generations of fishers, sailors and whalers—who traveled the globe and returned with culinary influence, especially from North Africa, China and the Caribbean.—
Jillian Dara,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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The city has fallen back on multiple tax measures to draw more money, though spending cuts have also alleviated — for now — yearly deficits in the General Purpose Fund budget, which pays for most salaries and daily operations.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Verb
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While federal flood insurance subsidizes risky coastal and waterfront development for wealthier homeowners by lowering the cost of living in these areas, many low-income households in flood-prone areas remain stuck with risky properties and little help.—
Ivis García,
The Conversation,
1 June 2026
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And the government subsidizes mortgages, so taking on leverage is easier.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Beyond job creation, groups like Climate Jobs Illinois and the AFL-CIO argue that data centers provide communities with a reliable source of property tax revenue that funds local schools and infrastructure.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
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To avoid causing voters financial pain, lawmakers may try to take the more politically expedient path by allowing Social Security and Medicare to tap general revenue that funds other parts of the federal government.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Taxes from tabs go to the state Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, which finances Minnesota’s highway system.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
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Supporters of the market counter that private money often finances the excavation, preservation, and study of fossils that might otherwise remain buried indefinitely.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defrays. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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