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

What’s less clear is how much of that money will reimburse venue-hosting cities for the inevitable extra costs. —Susan Shelley, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

Town libraries are reimbursed by the Connecticut State Library for lending to non-residents, using the funds to buy more books and resources. —Sara Bedigian, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026

Schools are reimbursed by the state per student. —Esme Murphy, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

Fort Lauderdale would be required to reimburse the development team for out-of-pocket expenses and also be on the hook for a developer fee that represents an additional 5% of those expenses. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026