Synonyms

compensatory

American

[kuhm-pen-suh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / kəmˈpɛn səˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Also compensative

adjective

serving to compensate, as for loss, lack, or injury.
countercyclical.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of compensatory

First recorded in 1595–1605; compensate + -ory ¹

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.

Compensatory damages are a combination of awards for economic losses as well as noneconomic losses, which include the impacts on the plaintiff's reputation and their emotional, physical or mental health.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2022

Compensatory damages are based on proven harm, loss or injury, and are often calculated based on the fair market value of damaged property, lost wages and expenses, according to Cornell Law School.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2022

Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse a plaintiff who has experienced actual losses, including from future earnings.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2022

Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that incur a net loss of unrestricted free agents based on a formula developed by the NFL.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2021

Compensatory education for the disadvantaged; programs and practices, preschool through college.

From The Negro in the United States; a selected bibliography. Compiled by Dorothy B. Porter by Porter, Dorothy B.

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