compensates; compensated; compensating
somewhat formal
1
: to provide something good as a balance against something bad or undesirable : to make up for some defect or weakness
His enthusiasm compensates for his lack of skill.
The price of the item has been reduced to compensate for a defect.
2
: to give money or something else of value to (someone) in return for something (such as work) or as payment for something lost, damaged, etc.
compensate workers for their labor
She was not compensated for the damage done to her car.
Cite this Entry
“Compensate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/compensate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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