prorate

verb

pro·​rate (ˌ)prō-ˈrāt 

ˈprō-ˌrāt

prorated; prorating

transitive verb

: to divide, distribute, or assess proportionately

intransitive verb

: to make a pro rata distribution

proration

prō-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• administer
• allocate
• apportion
• deal (out)
• dispense
• distribute
• dole out
• hand out
• mete (out)
• parcel (out)
• portion

Examples of prorate in a Sentence

The player's annual salary was prorated because he only played for the last three months of the season.

shares in the company's profits were prorated according to the workers' length of service

Recent Examples on the Web

For services used across multiple provinces, the RST may be prorated based on how much of the service is used within Manitoba. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

While base compensation applies to a team’s salary cap for the year it’s earned, signing bonuses and other one-time expenditures can be prorated, often for up to five years. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Mar. 2025

As of now, Zamora and Mata’s renters have received their security deposit and prorated rent back. —Daisy Verduzco Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025

Years ago, Cleveland GM Andrew Berry pushed Garrett’s cap hits into the future by prorating Garrett’s bonuses. —Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

pro rata

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for prorate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

prorate

verb

pro·​rate (ˈ)prō-ˈrāt 

prorated; prorating

: to divide or spread proportionately

prorate a weekly wage for three days of work

proration

prō-ˈrā-shən 

noun