COMPENSATE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'compensate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of compensate are indemnify , pay , recompense , reimburse , remunerate , repay , and satisfy . While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," compensate implies a making up for services rendered. // an attorney well compensated for her services

Q: When is it sensible to use 'indemnify' instead of 'compensate'?

Although the words indemnify and compensate have much in common, indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare. // indemnified the families of the dead miners

Q: When can 'pay' be used instead of 'compensate'?

The words pay and compensate can be used in similar contexts, but pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred. // paid their bills

Q: Where would 'recompense' be a reasonable alternative to 'compensate'?

In some situations, the words recompense and compensate are roughly equivalent. However, recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward. // passengers were recompensed for the delay

Q: In what contexts can 'reimburse' take the place of 'compensate'?

The synonyms reimburse and compensate are sometimes interchangeable, but reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit. // reimbursed employees for expenses

Q: When would 'remunerate' be a good substitute for 'compensate'?

The words remunerate and compensate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for. // promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely

Q: When could 'repay' be used to replace 'compensate'?

While the synonyms repay and compensate are close in meaning, repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount. // repay a favor with a favor

Q: When might 'satisfy' be a better fit than 'compensate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to compensate , satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law. // all creditors will be satisfied in full

compensate

verb

ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt

Definition of compensate

as in to reimburse

to provide (someone) with a just payment for loss or injury you'll have to compensate the neighbors for cutting down their tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to pay

to give (someone) the sum of money owed for goods or services received compensate them well for their efforts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stiff

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compensate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of compensate are indemnify, pay, recompense, reimburse, remunerate, repay, and satisfy. While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

When is it sensible to use indemnify instead of compensate?

Although the words indemnify and compensate have much in common, indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare.

indemnified the families of the dead miners

When can pay be used instead of compensate?

The words pay and compensate can be used in similar contexts, but pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

Where would recompense be a reasonable alternative to compensate?

In some situations, the words recompense and compensate are roughly equivalent. However, recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

In what contexts can reimburse take the place of compensate?

The synonyms reimburse and compensate are sometimes interchangeable, but reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit.

reimbursed employees for expenses

When would remunerate be a good substitute for compensate?

The words remunerate and compensate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for.

promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely

When could repay be used to replace compensate?

While the synonyms repay and compensate are close in meaning, repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

When might satisfy be a better fit than compensate?

While in some cases nearly identical to compensate, satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law.

all creditors will be satisfied in full

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of compensate In last year’s World Series, Ohtani had endured hitting slumps, too, but his teammates compensated with timely contributions to earn a second consecutive title. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026 Nurses cannot compensate for the deficiencies in the rest of the system. — Lynne S. Moronski, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026 Should something go awry, the swap would compensate the buyer. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026 As creators take on political topics, questions often surface about whether influencers are being compensated. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compensate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compensate

Verb

Private schools, on the other hand, can legally charge tuition, and the Republican program can easily be used to reimburse families for that cost.

— Cory Turner, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026
Keep records of expenses to reimburse employees or contractors.

— Dana Miranda, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of reimburse

Verb

In true dump cake style, add all ingredients to create a pumpkin filling and top with boxed yellow cake mix and butter to create a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for holidays and weeknights.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
The salty bacon and fluffy eggs formed that classic breakfast flavor, while the potatoes added a satisfying heartiness without weighing the taco down.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfy

Verb

Borrowers struggle to repay, lenders suffer losses, and a market crash can spiral into a financial crisis and a painful recession.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026
Oracle's 5-year credit default swaps Credit default swaps are contracts where buyers pay for protection in case the borrower can't repay its debt.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of repay

Browse Nearby Words

compends

compensate

compensated

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Style

“Compensate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compensate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of compensate

verb

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Synonyms of compensate

verb

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Example Sentences

Phrases Containing compensate

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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