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

This agreement removes that barrier to equal access for passengers with disabilities and provides a mechanism to compensate those harmed by Uber's past wait time fee policy. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

In 2016, Uber began compensating drivers who waited more than two minutes for a passenger to show up. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

Perhaps a fine for infractions would compensate for some of the budget deficit instead of skyrocketing parking fees everywhere, especially at our beloved zoo and Balboa Park. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025

Are the children being compensated for giving you the rights to their story? —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing compensate

• compensate (for)