reimburse

verb

ˌrē-əm-ˈbərs How to pronounce reimburse (audio)
Definition of reimbursenext
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

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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

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 reimburse Likewise, members of the U.S. Congress can now be reimbursed for home security systems, and a $2.1 billion emergency spending package after Jan. 6 helped plug gaps in Capitol security. —Nicole Widdersheim, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 Garcia said Glass House required employees to buy their drinking water and did not reimburse them for the expense. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2025 In Philadelphia, a pay-for-success partnership with life sciences employers reimburses training providers only when hires are made and retained. —Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 The program was previously designed for large businesses, and they were allowed to get one-quarter of their expenses reimbursed, up to $125,000. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reimburse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reimburse
  1. repay
  2. compensate
Verb
  • In addition, members could be forced to repay the cost associated with tracking them down.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025
  • Rhiannon Do did not make any repayment on the loan and Aloha is asking that it now be repaid.
    — Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
Definition of repay
Verb
  • The mesmerizing and visually appealing frames in the film are unable to compensate.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Each review is voluntary and passengers are not compensated for their opinions.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
Definition of compensate

Browse Nearby Words

reimagining
reimburse
reimbursed
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Cite this Entry

“Reimburse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reimburse. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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