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.
Rogers plans to use the funds to pay down debt. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026 The lifetime limit is likely to include all previous borrowing, even if the student paid down the debt, Kantrowitz said. Annie Nova, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 Much of her advice is run-of-the-mill personal finance tips – such as improving your credit score, paying down debt or automating savings contributions. Maximilian Brichta, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026 Using a refund to pay down or eliminate that debt can immediately ease pressure on a monthly budget and reduce how much interest accrues going forward. Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 20 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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