formal
: something that is given to or done to thank or reward someone or to pay someone for loss or suffering
He is asking for a just/fair recompense for the work he's done.
She is seeking recompense [=compensation] for medical fees.
He received $10,000 in recompense for his injuries.
recompenses; recompensed; recompensing
formal
: to give something (such as money) to (someone) as a reward or as a payment for loss or suffering
The company has agreed to recompense [=(more commonly) compensate] her for the injuries she sustained on the job.
Cite this Entry
“Recompense.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/recompense. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
