Synonyms

repay

American

[ri-pey] / rɪˈpeɪ /

verb (used with object)

to pay back or refund, as money.

Synonyms:

indemnify, reimburse
to make return for.

She repaid the compliment with a smile.
to make return to in any way.

We can never repay you for your help.

Synonyms:

reward, requite
to return.

to repay a visit.

verb (used without object)

to make repayment or return.

repay British

/ rɪˈpeɪ /

verb

to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse
to make a return for (something) by way of compensation

to repay kindness

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of repay

From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay ¹

Explanation

When you give someone money that you owe them, you repay them. A bank may loan you money to buy a new car, but you'll have to repay the money, plus interest. You might repay a bank loan, or repay your brother the dollar you borrowed last week. You can also repay things other than money: "How will I ever repay your kindness and support?" Repay comes from the French repaier, with its "back" prefix re- and payer, "to pay."

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Vocabulary lists containing repay

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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.

One bullish client “feels he’s going to be right eventually” but “keeps getting slammed with margin calls,” i.e., demands to repay a loan that financed his position.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

In 2023, a judge ordered Justice’s wages as governor be garnished to repay a loan for mining equipment; another judge ordered U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Murrell's lawyer indicated this week that the former chief executive had enough funds to repay the sum he embezzled from the party.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

High inflation allows debtors to repay loans with watered-down dollars.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

“But I don’t think I’ll be able to repay you for this.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023