pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down
Synonyms of pay downnext

transitive verb

: to reduce (a debt) by repaying in part

Examples of pay down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Americans have conflicting sensibilities about the comparative virtues of investing money and paying down debt. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 To pay down debt, consider starting a side hustle like freelance work or a part-time job for supplemental income. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 That leftover money can be used to pay down debt, though the figure already accounts for interest expenses. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 By February 2025, she was fully committed to paying down the debt. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pay down

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pay down was in 1975

Rhymes for pay down

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Browse Nearby Words

pay dividends
pay down
PAYE
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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