Synonyms for

Pay

Verb / peɪ / Another word for pay — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To give someone money for something they have done or for something you want to buy.

Synonyms & similar words

makeup anteup default wage remuneration payoff earnings salary bear devote give payup yield compensate compensate remunerate reimburse reward settle clear discharge satisfy meet honour offset liquidate give tip

Synonyms by register

Formal

remunerate compensate reimburse settle

Informal

cough up shell out fork over lay out

Literary

render disburse

Antonyms

receive earn gain acquire collect take

Common collocations

  • pay attention
  • pay the bill
  • pay a visit
  • pay interest
  • pay taxes
  • pay homage
  • pay a price
  • pay back

Word family

noun payment
verb pay
adjective payable
adverb paying

Usage note

The verb 'pay' can be used transitively (pay the bill) or intransitively (he will pay). Be mindful of the context when choosing between formal and informal synonyms.

Example sentences

  1. I will pay you for mowing the lawn.
  2. I need to pay for my groceries.
  3. My mom always pays for my school lunches.
  4. I will pay you back next week.
  5. I forgot to pay my phone bill.

Quotes

  • Money can't buy friends, but it can get you a better class of enemy.
  • The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.
  • If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.

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