Synonyms of reimburse

reimburse

verb

ˌrē-əm-ˈbərs 

as in to repay

to make a return payment to

make sure you keep your receipts so we can reimburse you for your expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repay
• compensate
• refund
• pay back
• render (to)
• reciprocate
• satisfy
• give back
• remunerate
• liquidate
• pay off
• pay up
• recompense
• settle
• quit
• pay down

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reimburse distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reimburse are compensate, indemnify, pay, recompense, remunerate, repay, and satisfy. While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit.

reimbursed employees for expenses

When is compensate a more appropriate choice than reimburse?

Although the words compensate and reimburse have much in common, compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

When would indemnify be a good substitute for reimburse?

The synonyms indemnify and reimburse are sometimes interchangeable, but indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare.

indemnified the families of the dead miners

When might pay be a better fit than reimburse?

The meanings of pay and reimburse largely overlap; however, pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

When is it sensible to use recompense instead of reimburse?

While the synonyms recompense and reimburse are close in meaning, recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

When can remunerate be used instead of reimburse?

The words remunerate and reimburse can be used in similar contexts, but 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 reimburse?

The words repay and reimburse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

Where would satisfy be a reasonable alternative to reimburse?

In some situations, the words satisfy and reimburse are roughly equivalent. However, satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law.

all creditors will be satisfied in full

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reimburse

The program is far narrower than Democracy Dollars, with just $150,000 available to reimburse candidates during the current election cycle and each candidate’s share capped at 30% of that amount. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

According to court documents, Estrella del Paso, a legal service provider in Texas, said the organization faces closure after 40 years, having not been reimbursed for up to $765,000 in federal payments for services already provided. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Berney in his email offered to reimburse Afram’s company for the missing drive or create a new digital cinema package, according to the lawsuit. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Colorado Promise reimburses eligible students from families earning $90,000 or less for out-of-pocket tuition and fees covering as many as their first 65 college credits at a Colorado public institution. — Jared Polis, Denver Post, 30 July 2026