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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Cooper’s agent, Felicity Blunt, was one of five Rivals executive producers who delved deep into why the author meant so much to the world and how the show starring David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson pays tribute to her memory.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
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Typically, Netflix pays just an upfront fee rather than offering viewership incentive bonuses.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Provincetown is not eligible for Essential Air Service (EAS), a federal program that subsidizes flights in more than 170 communities nationwide, because the town is considered too close to Logan Airport in Boston and a different Cape Cod airport, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, to qualify.—
Sacha Pfeiffer,
NPR,
12 May 2026
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To mitigate that, Sheinbaum’s government subsidizes the price of both fuels, but the move could affect other areas of Mexicans’ lives.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The county covers 40 hours a week while the city currently funds an extra six hours.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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The federal gas tax primarily funds the Highway Trust Fund, money from which is used on federal highway construction, maintenance, public transit and infrastructure projects.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Gem mining also finances ethnic armed groups fighting for autonomy, contributing to Burma’s long-running conflicts.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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Myanmar produces 90% of the world’s rubies, but human rights groups urge jewelers to boycott the gems because the industry finances both military governments and ethnic armed groups fueling civil conflict.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defrays. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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