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Synonyms

recoup

American  
[ri-koop] / rɪˈkup /

verb (used with object)

  1. to get back the equivalent of.

    to recoup one's losses by a lucky investment.

    Synonyms:
    balance, retrieve, restore, recover
  2. to regain or recover.

  3. to reimburse or indemnify; pay back.

    to recoup a person for expenses.

    Synonyms:
    remunerate, recompense
  4. Law. to withhold (a portion of something due), having some rightful claim to do so.


verb (used without object)

  1. to get back an equivalent, as of something lost.

  2. Law. (of a defendant in a lawsuit) to plead that one is owed, in the same matter, an amount by the plaintiff which applies against the payment of one’s own debt to the plaintiff.

noun

  1. an act of recouping.

recoup British  
/ rɪˈkuːp /

verb

  1. to regain or make good (a financial or other loss)

  2. (tr) to reimburse or compensate (someone), as for a loss

  3. law to keep back (something due), having rightful claim to do so; withhold; deduct

"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

  • nonrecoupable adjective
  • recoupable adjective
  • recoupment noun
  • unrecoupable adjective

Etymology

Origin of recoup

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French recouper “to cut back, cut again,” equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + couper “to cut”; coup 1 ( def. )

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.

Rebuilding would help some residents recoup their investments, but could financially ruin others.

From The Wall Street Journal

They could be reimbursed by the U.S. or recoup that investment in revenue, he added.

From Barron's

But some longtime investors held on, betting they could eventually recoup part of what they were owed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The value of the remaining $9 billion plus interest owed has been held at close to zero, given there’s been no clear path to recouping that, Citi said.

From MarketWatch

In February, the state said it didn’t think enough was known to determine a final penalty amount and noted that state officials were actively seeking to recoup misused funds through civil litigation.

From The Wall Street Journal