Synonyms of repay

repay

verb

(ˌ)rē-ˈpā 

1

as in to reimburse

to make a return payment to

I repaid my friend the $20 he had lent me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in to pay

to make a return for

how can we ever repay your kindness?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pay
• reciprocate
• exchange
• satisfy
• compensate
• requite
• recompense
• reimburse
• avenge
• refund
• indemnify
• recoup
• remunerate
• give back
• retaliate
• revenge
• get back (at)
• restitute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• owe
• disregard
• overlook

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

Recent Examples of repay

One organization highlighted in the film, New York Says Thank You, grew out of New Yorkers’ desire to repay the communities across the country that came to their aid following the attacks. — Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026

The State sued and Centene agreed to repay the funds and settle the case. — Darryll K. Jones, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

If those IOUs are set to be repaid many years from now, they’re called bonds. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Leonard must repay the NBA $700,000, and his uncle is banned from engaging with or conducting any business with NBA teams for five years. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026