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Definition of paynext
1
as in to compensate
to give (someone) the sum of money owed for goods or services received we need to pay the cashier and then we can leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to meet
to give what is owed for you ought to pay that bill before it's overdue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to yield
to produce as revenue an investment paying six percent

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

pay

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pay distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pay are compensate, indemnify, recompense, reimburse, remunerate, repay, and satisfy. While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

When might compensate be a better fit than pay?

The words compensate and pay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

When can indemnify be used instead of pay?

Although the words indemnify and pay have much in common, indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare.

indemnified the families of the dead miners

When would recompense be a good substitute for pay?

The meanings of recompense and pay largely overlap; however, recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

When could reimburse be used to replace pay?

The synonyms reimburse and pay are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 pay?

In some situations, the words remunerate and pay are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use repay instead of pay?

While in some cases nearly identical to pay, repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

When is satisfy a more appropriate choice than pay?

While the synonyms satisfy and pay are close in meaning, 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 pay
Verb
Simpson's estate has taken a key step toward paying Goldman's family nearly $58 million — nearly three decades after Goldman won a wrongful death judgment in a civil case against Simpson, according to a November report by TMZ. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026 Per The Telegraph, interested parties can expect to pay roughly $6,735 to get married midweek at The King’s Hall, named in honor of Charles; the price will rise to $11,450 to get married on the weekends, not including catering. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
He had long been suspended from his six-figure job without pay. Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 Hegesth said the Defense Department has begun a proceeding aimed at reducing Kelly’s rank in retirement, which would in turn lead to a decrease in retirement pay. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pay
Verb
  • However, that also means Boise State is often being compensated for traveling to those games.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Nov. 2025
  • But even if Parker were convicted of criminal charges directly tied to the shooting, Preis said insurance managers might feel pressure to compensate Zwerner.
    Gary Grumbach, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • When the Huskies lined up for a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, Ben Barten’s outstretched hand met the ball, sending it skittering across the slick turf.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Joabe Barbosa, Matthew Plese and Omar Yousaf spent the day riding the entire MARTA rail system in an attempt to complete the full route in roughly three hours.
    Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Visitors can spend their entire trip switching off between the two, but be sure to take some time to explore the rocky cove beaches called calas that have made Costa Blanca famous.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bregman played his first nine seasons with the Houston Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 — although the first of those yielded a sign-stealing scandal that earned Bregman and his teammates plenty of scorn.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The project has yielded some certainties and if repeated will allow the analysis of changes that eventually will help authorities make better decisions when eruptions occur.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The voluntary program allows local districts and private schools to train employees or hire armed specialists to respond to active threats.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • What happened at 1000 Corporate Drive was mostly the latter, facilitated by Indian companies that US medical insurers hired to manage patients’ electronic records.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And in an unusual move, Rubio has used her ballot measure committee to pay a nearly $4,000 monthly salary to a campaign worker.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • However, the text of his Wednesday order caps salaries at current levels and ties future executive incentive compensation to delivery and production metrics.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • According to the filing, Pepsi allegedly reinforced that gap by offering Walmart promotional payments, allowances and data-sharing services that were not extended to other retailers.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The reduced monthly payments can improve affordability for a period until home prices adjust in response to changes in the rates.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As a result of that inaction, California businesses will continue facing automatic payroll tax hikes to repay that debt.
    Vince Fong, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
  • College completion plays a major role in whether borrowers are able to repay their loans.
    Tiffani Jackson, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pay. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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