COMPENSATION Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

compensation

noun

ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən

Definition of compensation

as in reparation

payment to another for a loss or injury a warehouse worker who received a large compensation for his crippling injury while on the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in pay

something (as money) that is given or received in return for goods or services fair compensation for his work on the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in paying

the act of offering money in exchange for goods or services his generous compensation was greatly appreciated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 compensation Vulnerable countries fought through years of international climate talks to establish a principle of climate compensation and distinguish it from charity. — Tarun Gopalakrishnan, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 The person at the helm of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System got a hefty compensation increase Wednesday morning, as the agency’s board increased CEO Marcie Frost’s compensation. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026 The remainder of his compensation came from a bonus, stock and option awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation and other sources. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 Murdoch also inked a new contract extension with Fox earlier this summer, with an increase in bonus and equity compensation targets. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compensation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compensation

Noun

The idea for Evanston's reparations program took root in 2019, when Robin Rue Simmons, then a councilmember representing the city's historic Black neighborhood, the 5th Ward, was researching why its Black population was shrinking.

— Adrian Florido, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
Jamaica’s petition is an effort to expand the political campaign for reparations into the legal realm, Grange said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of reparation

Noun

This past year’s recruitment numbers are likely more a result of young Americans seeking steady pay, job training and educational benefits than agreement with Hegseth’s vision of the military.

— Jeremiah Favara, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
The memo said assistant principals who are teaching classes exempted from the law — due to a shortage of space or licensed teachers — will also receive the extra pay.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of pay

Noun

In April, the SPLC was charged as an organization with bank fraud and money laundering offenses related to its paying of informants to infiltrate hate groups.

— Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
The affordability crisis extends to healthcare, housing, and access to good paying jobs.

— Elijah Manley, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Definition of paying

Noun

On Friday, several voters who signed a referendum petition putting the new congressional district map to a statewide vote in November filed suit seeking class-action status for monetary damages against Hoskins.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
The states’ lawsuit, filed Monday morning in the Southern District of New York, does not seek monetary damages from the federal government, but rather asks the court to block the rule, invalidate it and prevent DHS from using it.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of damages

Noun

The employee stated Hehenberger and CMS Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz advised her a contract would be necessary moving forward for the payments to be in compliance.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Earlier this month, the Legislature passed a bill from Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, closing a loophole in the 2023 law by requiring campaigns — not just influencers — to disclose any payments to influencers.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of payment

Noun

First, because of the huge jump in salary when Pelle Larsson’s extension kicks in for 2027-28.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
As baseball owners prepare for a lockout, in a push for the salary cap that would drive franchise values higher, insiders anticipate the MLB expansion fee could settle around or even above the $4 billion range.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026