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

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

Recent Examples of compensate

Verb

The pilot must compensate manually using the controller, which can be difficult if the aircraft is far away or difficult to see. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

The Cowboys don’t compensate for their weaknesses well under Schottenheimer. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026

In 1825, French King Charles X demanded 150 million francs to compensate France’s former colonists and slaveholders as the price of recognition. — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

After all, when you are compensated only upon the successful completion of a transaction, turning away business seems counterintuitive. — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing compensate

• compensate (for)