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Synonyms

payable

American  
[pey-uh-buhl] / ˈpeɪ ə bəl /

adjective

  1. to be paid; due.

    a loan payable in 30 days.

  2. capable of being or liable to be paid.

  3. profitable.

  4. Law. imposing an immediate obligation on the debtor.


noun

  1. an amount, bill, etc., that is to be paid.

  2. payables, the accounts payable of a business.

    Payables are now handled by our computer.

payable British  
/ ˈpeɪəbəl /

adjective

  1. (often foll by on) to be paid

    payable on the third of each month

  2. that is capable of being paid

  3. capable of being profitable

  4. (of a debt) imposing an obligation on the debtor to pay, esp at once

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of payable

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at pay 1, -able

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.

So if you change the transfer on death or payable on death designations to your grandchildren, that won’t alter the step-up.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

The dividend is payable on July 10 to stockholders of record on June 26, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Later that day, Braemar announced it was putting itself up for sale, with a $505 million termination fee payable to Ashford when it happens.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The penalty is payable immediately, regardless of any possible appeal.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“Today is Mr. Featherstone's birthday. Today is the anniversary of Tilita’s marriage. Insurance is payable, as are the water, gas, and light bills.”

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

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