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Dictionary.com
Definitions

prime the pump

VERB
finance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back bankroll fund guarantee promote sponsor subsidize support underwrite
STRONG
bank capitalize endow float grubstake juice patronize stake
WEAK
go for lay on one loan shark pay for pick up the check pick up the tab provide funds provide security put up money raise dough
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disapprove discourage hurt refuse reject
WEAK
call in take
VERB
grubstake
Synonyms
STRONG
back bank bankroll capitalize endow float fund guarantee juice patronize promote
WEAK
go for lay on one loan shark pay for pick up the check pick up the tab provide funds provide security put up money put up money fo
Antonyms
STRONG
take
VERB
subsidize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankroll contribute finance fund promote sponsor underwrite
STRONG
back endow grubstake help stake support
WEAK
angel juice pick up the check pick up the tab put up the money for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disapprove hurt take

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.

And that status quo would prime the pump for more SoFi loan applications.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2023

The machine heats up quickly and is ready to go in about a minute, though you’ll need to prime the pump to move water through the system before pulling your first shot.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2021

They prime the pump and use their comments section as a chance to build their following.”

From The Guardian • Aug. 25, 2017

In news that few will find surprising, it appears that President Trump did not, in fact, invent the term "prime the pump" as he asserted in a recent interview with the Economist.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2017

After that we prime the pump to get all the air out, our eyes meeting as we wait for the formula to make its way down the tube.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott