Synonym Chooser

How is the word repay distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of repay are compensate, indemnify, pay, recompense, reimburse, remunerate, and satisfy. While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

In what contexts can compensate take the place of repay?

In some situations, the words compensate and repay are roughly equivalent. However, compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

When is indemnify a more appropriate choice than repay?

Although the words indemnify and repay 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 repay?

While in some cases nearly identical to repay, pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

When would recompense be a good substitute for repay?

The synonyms recompense and repay are sometimes interchangeable, but recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

When is it sensible to use reimburse instead of repay?

The words reimburse and repay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit.

reimbursed employees for expenses

Where would remunerate be a reasonable alternative to repay?

While the synonyms remunerate and repay are close in meaning, 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 might satisfy be a better fit than repay?

The meanings of satisfy and repay largely overlap; however, satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law.

all creditors will be satisfied in full

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of repay Recognizing the gravity of this scandal, French economist Thomas Piketty has argued that France should repay at least $28 billion to Haiti in restitution. Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025 Residents generally paid entrance fees of $90,000 to $349,000 to the Lutheran Life facilities, often with the agreement that they or their heirs would be repaid 50% to 90% of the fee upon their death or departure. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Luckily, Abbott repaid the favor of checking in on his friend in his time of need and the two ultimately left the ER together to have a beer in the park with a few of their colleagues before finally heading home. Megan McCluskey, Time, 11 Apr. 2025 Only six games remain, and if the players continue to repay the faith Igor Tudor is putting in them, the Coach should succeed in his mission to secure Champions League football for Juventus next season. Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repay
Verb
  • Buchanan will also be required to reimburse Kohl’s for a pro rata portion of his signing incentive in the amount of $2.5 million, according to the documents.
    Time, Time, 2 May 2025
  • The agreement comes after Trump repeatedly called for Ukraine to reimburse the U.S. for its military aid.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2020, the Trump administration paid to restore a Columbus statue in Baltimore that was dumped in the harbor during protests against the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In the next bracket up, 24%, most couples are also paying a 3.8% investment tax, for a combined federal rate of 27.8%.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When Altuve accepted the move to left field this winter, the team reciprocated his selflessness by assuring Altuve he wouldn’t be moved around constantly.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In turn, the fans reciprocated their love towards the singer not only by cheering with passionate fervor but also by singing the words to the songs.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gifts were exchanged, and the Pope wished the King and Queen a happy 20th wedding anniversary, which fell on the same day as their meeting.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, tickets for Saturday’s game can be exchanged — online only — for a similar regular season game.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During a hearing on Monday, Sweeney expressed skepticism that the 24 hours notice that the administration had pledged to provide would satisfy the U.S. Supreme Court's April 7 order requiring migrants be given the opportunity to challenge their removals in court.
    Luc Cohen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Each sandwich is crafted with 100 percent real butter, the best real cheese, fresh-baked bread and real garlic for a crispy, cheesy, satisfying bite every time.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If your core isn’t doing its job, other muscles have to try and compensate.
    Danielle Zickl, SELF, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There have been long periods of suffering experienced by some that all the gold of the country could not compensate for.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Reflecting Lee’s turmoil as he’s tormented by heroin withdrawals and his not entirely requited affection for Allerton, the film is moody, and the sets reflect the interior landscapes of its characters.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2024
  • In the book, the main character falls in love with an android that only pretends to requite his feelings.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Repay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repay. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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