payment
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for payment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of paying, or a sum of money paid for goods, services, or a debt.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use payment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French paiement, from "pay" plus the suffix "-ment."
Full origin of payment →Frequently asked questions
What does “payment” mean?
The word “payment” means the act of paying, or a sum of money paid for goods, services, or a debt. In plain terms, money handed over to settle a bill, debt, or purchase.
How do you pronounce “payment”?
“Payment” is pronounced PAY-muhnt (/ˈpeɪmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “payment” in a sentence?
Here is “payment” used in a sentence: “The final payment on the loan is due next week.”
What part of speech is “payment”?
“Payment” is a noun.
Where does the word “payment” come from?
The word “payment” comes from Old French. From Old French paiement, from "pay" plus the suffix "-ment.".
Is “payment” a common word?
“Payment” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a payment and a deposit?
A payment is money handed over for goods, services, or a debt. A deposit is a specific kind of payment made in advance — either part of a larger sum to reserve something, or money placed into an account. So a deposit is usually an upfront or partial payment rather than the full, final amount.
What are the main types of payment?
Common methods include cash, debit and credit cards, bank transfers, cheques, and mobile or digital wallets. Payments can be one-off or recurring, such as a subscription, and can be made in full or in installments over time. The right method depends on the amount, the seller, and how quickly the money must clear.
What is the difference between payment and purchase?
A purchase is the act of buying something; a payment is the money transferred to complete it. You can make a purchase and arrange to pay later, or split the payment into installments. Payment is one part of a purchase — the settling of what is owed — rather than the whole transaction itself.
What is an example of a payment?
Handing a cashier a note, tapping a card to settle a bill, or transferring rent to a landlord are all payments. So is a monthly repayment on a loan. In each case money changes hands to cover goods, services, or a debt, which is exactly what the word describes.