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Showing results for recompense. Search instead for recompense/2.
Definitions

recompense

[rek-uhm-pens] / ˈrɛk əmˌpɛns /
NOUN
something returned, paid back
Synonyms
STRONG
amends atonement compensation cue damages emolument expiation gravy indemnification indemnity overcompensation pay payment propitiation quittance recovery redemption redress remuneration reparation repayment requital restitution retrieval return reward royalty salvo satisfaction sweetener tip wages
WEAK
bus fare recoupment retrievement solatium
Antonyms
STRONG
dissatisfaction penalty
WEAK
take
VERB
pay back, make restitution
Synonyms
STRONG
atone balance comp compensate counterbalance counterpoise countervail equalize expiate fix grease indemnify offset overcompensate pay propitiate reciprocate recoup recover redress reimburse remunerate repay requite retaliate retrieve return reward satisfy square
WEAK
ante up atone for cough up do business give satisfaction make amends make good make up for pay for put out spring for sweeten the pot swing for take care of
Antonyms
STRONG
deprive disproportion dissatisfy lose penalize refuse seize take worsen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And without legal recompense, the only check to this power appears to be other armed men.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2026

Grandparents have demanded money as recompense for having spent years caring for a grandson taken in battle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

"That settlement for Zach allowed him the opportunity to have some kind of recompense but more importantly, to be able to make some memories," said Anna-Louise.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

If he feels like the scales aren’t balanced between action and recompense ...

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2024

For both Joe and Roger, making it into the shell barges was sweet recompense for days that had been, ever since school began, brutally long and demanding.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.