Synonyms of compensate

compensate 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt 

1

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

• reimburse
• satisfy
• pay
• recoup
• repay
• remunerate
• indemnify
• recompense
• requite
• refund
• redress
• remedy
• repair
• discharge
• quit

2

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

• pay
• reimburse
• repay
• remunerate
• refund
• recompense
• pay up
• remit
• prepay
• pay off
• requite

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stiff

compensate (for)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective

a mafioso thinking that he can compensate for the evil he's done by giving to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offset
• correct
• make up (for)
• neutralize
• cancel (out)
• outweigh
• counteract
• counterbalance
• relieve
• annul
• atone (for)
• remedy
• negative
• counterpoise
• invalidate
• redeem
• nullify
• redress
• negate
• neuter
• overrule
• override
• outbalance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of compensate

Verb

In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

In mid-April, OPEC released a plan to compensate for overproduction. —Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

Kansas City’s offense was a non-factor and the Royals’ pitching staff was working overtime to compensate. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025

To compensate, organisers charge international participants a £26 ($34) climate levy at registration, that is used for carbon removal. —Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing compensate

• compensate (for)