as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
the lavish present almost made up for her forgetting his birthday
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make up (for)
Verb
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In the luteal phase, a cooler bedroom, lighter bedding and limiting alcohol can help offset the temperature effect.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026 -
Scientists note that infrastructure built across active faults is especially vulnerable, as surface rupture can directly offset roads, buildings, and other structures that span the fault trace.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Verb
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The establishment later corrected the violation, according to a follow-up inspection.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
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This article was corrected after it was published online on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to correct the spelling of Anica Walls’ name, correct the number of the Assembly bill supported by SEIU and to delete reference to a parking waitlist, which existed prior to the return-to-work order.—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The entire lighting system can be neutralized by flipping a single switch, obliterating all visibility except for a spotlight on the enemy’s crotch.—
Dahlia Gallin Ramirez,
New Yorker,
9 June 2026
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Flavanols are the plant compounds in berries, cocoa and grapes linked to heart and brain health, and the dropoff is dramatic enough to essentially neutralize the smoothie’s flavanol value.—
Allison Palmer
June 9,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Make up (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make%20up%20%28for%29. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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