pay down

verb

paid down; paying down; pays down

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.
Could Congress, for example, pass a law requiring every American to make a contribution to pay down the national debt, and leave it up to the Internal Revenue Service to figure out the specifics? Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025 After 2020, there was some question if Arenado was in decline, and the Rockies decided to pay down the contract and ship him out of town. Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 Many online lenders with debt consolidation programs will offer 24-, 36- or 48-month loan terms to pay down your debt and become debt free. Dave Murrow, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025 Similarly, your city’s local cost of living and average earnings can play a role in your ability to pay down debt. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 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.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20down. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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