Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

pay down

VERB
spend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allocate concentrate consume contribute donate drop employ expend give invest put in settle use waste
STRONG
absorb apply bestow blow confer defray deplete disburse dispense dissipate drain empty exhaust fritter lavish liquidate misspend squander
WEAK
ante up cast away come across come through cough up evote foot the bill hand out lay out outlay pay up run through shell out spring for throw away use up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build hold keep neglect save shun take take away withhold
STRONG
fill hoard set aside
WEAK
be lazy earn get receive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eurofins plans to use the sale proceeds to pay down debt, invest in laboratories, and conduct share buybacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

If you’re struggling to pay down debt, it may help to set a stricter budget.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

The couple earn about $240,000 a year now, which has allowed them to pay down a lot of their credit card debt and build savings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Chief Executive David Zaslav and his team have worked feverishly to pay down the colossal debt that came from Discovery’s 2022 takeover of the larger WarnerMedia.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

She and Mama had worked for a daily coin allowance, which they’d then used to pay down their debt.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray