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recompense

verb
rec·​om·​pense | \ ˈre-kəm-ˌpen(t)s How to pronounce recompense (audio) \
recompensed; recompensing

Definition of recompense

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to give something to by way of compensation (as for a service rendered or damage incurred)
b : to pay for
2 : to return in kind : requite

recompense

noun

Definition of recompense (Entry 2 of 2)

: an equivalent or a return for something done, suffered, or given : compensation offered in recompense for injuries
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Choose the Right Synonym for recompense

Verb

pay, compensate, remunerate, satisfy, reimburse, indemnify, repay, recompense mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred. paid their bills compensate implies a making up for services rendered. an attorney well compensated for her services 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 satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law. all creditors will be satisfied in full reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit. reimbursed employees for expenses indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare. indemnified the families of the dead miners repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount. repay a favor with a favor recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward. passengers were recompensed for the delay

Examples of recompense in a Sentence

Verb

 the cash-strapped museum can recompense lecturers with only token honorariums that company still needs to recompense the work that the contractor finished last month

Noun

 He is asking for a just recompense for the work he's done. He received $10,000 in recompense for his injuries.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 But more opportunities remain for Epstein’s accusers to get some recompense — and for the American public to get answers about who else was involved in Epstein’s crimes. — Anna North, Vox, "What happens next in the legal cases involving Jeffrey Epstein," 13 Aug. 2019 In recompense, the new series fills out its cast with faces including the actress Mischa Barton. — Troy Patterson, The New Yorker, "“The Hills: New Beginnings” and Our Warped American Reality," 17 July 2019 Funds spent freezing your credit or paying for credit monitoring in the wake of the breach are eligible for recompense in this section. — Kate Cox, Ars Technica, "You can go claim at least $125 from the Equifax settlement right now," 26 July 2019 There are numerous examples, both internationally and in the United States, of government providing recompense for past injustices. — Michael Tanner, National Review, "The Wrenching Reparations Question," 26 June 2019 If this happens to you, talk to the cruise line directly about refunds or other means of recompense—especially if your ship’s return to its homeport needs to be delayed and affects your flights home. — Fran Golden, CondĂ© Nast Traveler, "How Cruise Lines Handle Storms, Fog, Bomb Cyclones, and More," 10 June 2019 When leopards occasionally vault into a livestock pen at night, dragging away a precious calf, goat or sheep, villagers are content to claim the modest recompense the State Forestry Department provides. — National Geographic, "This Indian community welcomes leopards," 22 Mar. 2019 But now, when the experience of military service is alien to the majority of Americans, this museum offers some recompense. — Edward Rothstein, WSJ, "Stations of a Soldier’s Life," 24 Oct. 2018 Though only Altuve was voted in as a starter, Hinch promised Bregman playing time as recompense for handling the manager's Sunday morning clubhouse joke with such ease. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "5 Astros selected to AL All-Star team," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recompense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of recompense

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for recompense

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French recompenser, from Late Latin recompensare, from Latin re- + compensare to compensate

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More Definitions for recompense

recompense

verb
How to pronounce recompense (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of recompense

 (Entry 1 of 2)

formal : to give something (such as money) to (someone) as a reward or as a payment for loss or suffering

recompense

noun

English Language Learners Definition of recompense (Entry 2 of 2)

formal : something that is given to or done to thank or reward someone or to pay someone for loss or suffering

See the full definition for recompense in the English Language Learners Dictionary

recompense

verb
rec·​om·​pense | \ ˈre-kəm-ˌpens How to pronounce recompense (audio) \
recompensed; recompensing

Kids Definition of recompense

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to pay for or pay back He was recompensed for his loss.

recompense

noun

Kids Definition of recompense (Entry 2 of 2)

: something given in return for damage or suffering

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