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 The best way to repay your lovely neighbors is to build community and friendship. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 The guiding philosophy melds the Buddhist principles of karma—cause and effect; that bad deeds will be repaid in kind—with Bon animism, which teaches respect for all sentient beings. By Charlie Campbell/gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 Since electrical transmission lines have been the cause of many of our recent fires, why doesn’t the state of California provide the funds to put the transmission lines underground and then charge the electrical utility companies 10% of their profits until the cost is fully repaid? U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 Many people are unaware that an equity investment is a stake in the business, not a liability to be repaid. Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for repay 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repay
Verb
  • Congress also authorized a credit that reimbursed businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of Covid-19.
    Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Air New Zealand reimbursed Neas for all of Mittens' travel expenses and apologized to her.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • About 30 bills have been filed as of Friday, Jan. 17 related to child care, pre-K and paid parental leave.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2025
  • As fuel-efficient cars — and EVs, which pay higher registration fees but don't use gas — become the norm, fewer dollars are flowing into transportation coffers.
    Kale Williams, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, a brief friendly glance that produces a smile and a direct reciprocating look can mean you’re being invited to maintain eye contact.
    Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Instead of making a direct payment, the recipient is expected to reciprocate by sharing something else within a community.
    Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • According to a guide by One Mile at a Time, seat swaps are most successful when passengers propose equitable trades, such as exchanging an aisle seat for another aisle seat.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Bowen and Marchetto went on to exchange heartfelt vows and, after being pronounced married, shared a kiss.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Summary Hazelnuts have several health benefits, including being nutritious, helping with weight management, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, satisfying hunger, and contributing to digestive health.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2025
  • But the new information may not satisfy people hoping to fully clear the veil of mystery that has surrounded the killings in one of America’s darkest times in history, spinning up decades of conspiracy theories.
    Andy Rose, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • If its landfill revenue falls, the county may have to compensate.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Michael Polish’s film gamely tries to compensate for unspectacular production values with a lot of action — but its staging is pedestrian at best.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Jan. 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

Thesaurus Entries Near repay

Cite this Entry

“Repay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repay. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on repay

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