English Synonyms for Compensation and Rewards Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

alimony (noun) /ˈalɪməni/
Meaning: The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse who may have a lower income or limited earning potential after the divorce.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to alimony?
Options: maintenance; none; self-support; independence
Answer: maintenance
Synonyms: allowance; keep; livelihood; living; maintenance; provision; remittance; support; upkeep
Example: "John was relieved when his alimony payments finally ended after a long divorce battle."

allowance (noun) /əˈlaʊ əns/
Meaning: Typically, an allowance is provided to individuals such as children, students, or dependents, to meet their basic needs or expenses.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to allowance?
Options: stipend; restriction; denial; prohibition
Answer: stipend
Synonyms: allocation; budget; dispensation; grant; perquisite; portion; provision; quota; ration; share; stipend; subsidy
Example: "Parents often give their children a weekly allowance."

annuity (noun) /əˈnjuːɪti/
Meaning: It is essentially a contract between an individual and a financial institution, in which the latter agrees to make regular payments to the individual, usually on a monthly or annual basis, in exchange for a lump sum payment or a series of payments made by the individual.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to annuity?
Options: pension; lump sum; one-time payment; single transaction
Answer: pension
Synonyms: allocation; allotment; allowance; earnings; endowment; entitlement; fund; gain; stipend
Example: "After retiring, she received a monthly annuity to support her financially."

arrears (noun) /əˈrɪəz/
Meaning: This can refer to payments for bills, loans, rent, or other financial obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to arrears?
Options: debt; advance; prepayment; surplus
Answer: debt
Synonyms: arrearage; claim; debit; deficiency; deficit; indebtedness; liability; obligation
Example: "The tenant fell into arrears with the rent."

avarice (noun) /ˈav(ə)rɪs/
Meaning: It represents an intense greed or covetousness, often characterized by a relentless pursuit of riches and an utter disregard for ethical, moral, or social considerations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to avarice?
Options: greed; generosity; philanthropy; charity
Answer: greed
Synonyms: acquisitiveness; avariciousness; covetousness; cupidity; desire; greed; mammonism; materialism; miserliness; parsimony; rapacity; venality
Example: "His avarice led him to engage in unethical business practices."

bursary (noun) /ˈbəːs(ə)ri/
Meaning: Bursaries are usually awarded based on financial need and are intended to help students who may not be able to afford the full cost of tuition, books and other expenses related to their education.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bursary?
Options: scholarship; loan; debt; liability
Answer: scholarship
Synonyms: aid; allowance; assistance; award; benefaction; charity; donation; endowment; fellowship; grant; loan; reward
Example: "She applied for a bursary to cover her tuition fees."

charitable (adjective) /tʃærɪtəbəl/
Meaning: When someone is described as charitable, it signifies their inclination to engage in acts of goodwill and contribute to the welfare and betterment of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to charitable?
Options: generous; selfish; stingy; miserly
Answer: generous
Synonyms: altruistic; benevolent; compassionate; generous; giving; humanitarian; liberal; magnanimous; munificent; philanthropic; selfless
Example: "She generously donated a large sum of money to various charitable organizations."

charity (noun) /ˈtʃær ɪ ti/
Meaning: It encompasses various forms of voluntary giving, whether in the form of financial aid, material goods, or services, to promote the well-being and alleviate the suffering of individuals or communities facing hardship or disadvantage.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to charity?
Options: philanthropy; greed; self-interest; miserliness
Answer: philanthropy
Synonyms: aid; alms; assistance; benevolence; compassion; contribution; donation; generosity; goodwill; kindness; philanthropy; support
Example: "The local charity organized a food drive to help families in need."

collateral (noun) /kəˈlat(ə)rəl/
Meaning: The collateral serves as a form of protection for the lender, who can seize and sell the asset if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to collateral?
Options: security; risk; hazard; liability
Answer: security
Synonyms: assurance; belongings; deposit; guarantee; holdings; pledge; possessions; surety
Example: "The car served as collateral for the auto loan."

compensate (verb) /ˈkɑmpənˌseɪt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe actions taken to balance out a negative or unfavorable situation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to compensate?
Options: reimburse; disregard; ignore; neglect
Answer: reimburse
Synonyms: balance; indemnify; recompense; redress; refund; reimburse; remunerate; repay
Example: "The bonus will compensate for your extra effort this quarter."

compensation (noun) /ˌkɒm pənˈseɪ ʃən/
Meaning: It represents the remuneration or reward given to an individual or entity to offset a perceived imbalance or to acknowledge the value of their contributions or suffering.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to compensation?
Options: recompense; penalty; forfeiture; debt
Answer: recompense
Synonyms: indemnity; payment; recompense; redress; reimbursement; remuneration; restitution; reward; satisfaction; settlement
Example: "The employee received a raise as compensation for their outstanding performance."

debit (verb) /dɛb ɪt/
Meaning: When one debits an account, they record a transaction that reduces the available funds or increases the liabilities associated with that account.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to debit?
Options: withdraw; credit; deposit; add
Answer: withdraw
Synonyms: abate; charge; decrease; deduct; dock; draw; reduce; remove; subtract; take; withdraw
Example: "The cashier will debit the purchase amount from your account."

depreciate (verb) /dɪˈpriːʃɪeɪt/
Meaning: The term is most commonly used in reference to financial or material assets, such as stocks, real estate, or vehicles, but can also be used more broadly to refer to the diminishing value of other types of assets, such as skills, knowledge, or reputation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to depreciate?
Options: devalue; appreciate; increase; enhance
Answer: devalue
Synonyms: cheapen; deflate; depress; devalue; downgrade; lessen; lower; reduce; shrink; sink
Example: "The car's value began to depreciate rapidly after the first year."

dividend (noun) /ˈdɪvɪˌdɛnd/
Meaning: Dividends are typically paid out on a regular basis, such as quarterly or annually, and are calculated as a percentage of the company's earnings.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dividend?
Options: profit; loss; debt; deficit
Answer: profit
Synonyms: bonus; earnings; gain; payout; profit; remittance; return; reward; share; yield
Example: "Investors eagerly awaited news of the dividend payout."

dowry (noun) /ˈdaʊri/
Meaning: It is often used in cultures or societies where marriages are arranged and the husband's family is expected to provide for the bride's future well-being.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dowry?
Options: endowment; none; debt; obligation
Answer: endowment
Synonyms: bequest; contribution; donation; dower; endowment; gift; inheritance; legacy; offering; trousseau
Example: "The tradition of giving dowry has been a subject of debate for many years."

emolument (noun) /ɪˈmɒljʊm(ə)nt/
Meaning: It can include wages, salaries, bonuses, profits, or any other benefits received as a result of holding a particular position or job.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to emolument?
Options: salary; nonpayment; debt; loss
Answer: salary
Synonyms: compensation; earnings; income; pay; payment; profit; remuneration; revenue; reward; salary; stipend; wage
Example: "The CEO received a substantial emolument as a bonus for his outstanding performance."

frugal (noun) /ˈfruːɡl/
Meaning: A frugal person is someone who is thrifty and avoids waste, being mindful of not spending more than what is necessary.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to frugal?
Options: economical; wasteful; extravagant; profligate
Answer: economical
Synonyms: austere; budgeting; careful; economical; modest; parsimonious; pinching; prudent; saving; scrimping; sparing; stingy
Example: "Her frugal lifestyle allowed her to save for the future."

frugality (noun) /fruˈgæl ɪ ti/
Meaning: It embodies a mindset and lifestyle characterized by prudence, simplicity, and a focus on making efficient choices to avoid waste and unnecessary expenses.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to frugality?
Options: thrift; extravagance; wastefulness; lavishness
Answer: thrift
Synonyms: conservation; economy; frugalness; moderation; parsimony; prudence; restraint; saving; scrimping; thrift; thriftiness
Example: "Frugality is a virtue that promotes mindful spending and resource management."

fund (noun) /fʌnd/
Meaning: Funds are often managed by organizations, institutions, or individuals to support specific projects, initiatives, or activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fund?
Options: reserve; debt; liability; deficit
Answer: reserve
Synonyms: bankroll; cache; coffer; hoard; kitty; pool; purse; reserve; resources; stash; stockpile; treasury
Example: "The organization established a fund to support underprivileged children's education."

gratuity (noun) /ɡrəˈtjuːɪti/
Meaning: It is typically given to service employees such as waiters, bellhops, and taxi drivers, but can also be given to other professionals such as hairstylists, barbers and delivery drivers.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to gratuity?
Options: tip; non-reward; penalty; fine
Answer: tip
Synonyms: baksheesh; benefaction; bonus; contribution; donation; lagniappe; offering; perquisite; tip
Example: "The restaurant automatically added a gratuity to our bill for large groups."

indemnity (noun) /ɪnˈdɛm nɪ ti/
Meaning: An indemnity agreement is a legal contract between two parties in which one party agrees to compensate the other for any losses or damages that may occur due to specified events or circumstances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indemnity?
Options: compensation; liability; debt; obligation
Answer: compensation
Synonyms: amends; payment; quittance; redress; refund; reimbursement; remuneration; reparation
Example: "The company provided an indemnity against any potential damages caused by their product."

insolvent (adjective) /ɪnˈsɒlv(ə)nt/
Meaning: It refers to a state of financial distress in which someone's liabilities exceed their assets or income, and they are unable to pay their bills or meet their financial obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to insolvent?
Options: bankrupt; solvent; financially stable; affluent
Answer: bankrupt
Synonyms: bankrupt; broke; bust; failed; impoverished; indebted; penniless; ruined; strapped
Example: "He was personally insolvent and couldn't pay his debts."

lucrative (adjective) /ˈluːkrətɪv/
Meaning: When an opportunity, venture, or endeavor is referred to as lucrative, it means that it has the potential to yield significant earnings or returns on investment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lucrative?
Options: profitable; unprofitable; loss-making; unrewarding
Answer: profitable
Synonyms: advantageous; enriching; fruitful; gainful; moneymaking; paying; productive; profitable; remunerative; successful
Example: "The tech startup secured a lucrative funding round."

parsimonious (adjective) /ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs/
Meaning: A parsimonious person is often excessively tightfisted and inclined to be overly economical, even to the point of being considered stingy or miserly.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to parsimonious?
Options: stingy; generous; lavish; extravagant
Answer: stingy
Synonyms: avaricious; cheap; closefisted; economical; frugal; miserly; niggardly; penurious; scrimping; selfish; stingy; thrifty
Example: "The parsimonious shopper carefully compared prices before making a purchase."

pecuniary (adjective) /pɪˈkjuːnɪəri/
Meaning: When an issue or concern is characterized as pecuniary, it pertains to financial transactions, assets, liabilities, or other fiscal aspects.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pecuniary?
Options: monetary; non-financial; non-monetary; intangible
Answer: monetary
Synonyms: banking; budgetary; budgeting; capital; cash; commercial; economic; financial; fiscal; monetary; revenue
Example: "The businessman faced pecuniary challenges due to the economic downturn."

proceeds (noun) /ˈprəʊsiːdz/
Meaning: It signifies the revenue or income generated from the sale of goods, services, or assets.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to proceeds?
Options: earnings; loss; debt; expense
Answer: earnings
Synonyms: earnings; funds; gains; income; money; profits; receipts; returns; revenue; takings; turnover; yield
Example: "The proceeds from the charity auction will be used to support local homeless shelters."

prodigal (adjective) /ˈprɒdɪɡl/
Meaning: It implies a lack of restraint or discipline in spending, and a tendency to indulge in excess or to squander resources.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to prodigal?
Options: spendthrift; frugal; economical; thrifty
Answer: spendthrift
Synonyms: dissolute; excessive; extravagant; immoderate; improvident; intemperate; lavish; profligate; reckless; spendthrift; squandering; unthrifty
Example: "His prodigal spending habits left him in financial ruin."

profit (noun) /ˈprɒf ɪt/
Meaning: It represents the positive difference between the revenue generated and the total expenses incurred, serving as a measure of financial success or gain.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to profit?
Options: gain; loss; deficit; debt
Answer: gain
Synonyms: advantage; earnings; gain; income; lucre; payoff; proceeds; return; revenue; surplus; winnings; yield
Example: "The entrepreneur's goal was to maximize profit while maintaining high product quality."

Pyrrhic (adjective) /ˈpɪr ɪk/
Meaning: This term originates from the historical context of King Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose victories in battle against the Romans were so costly in terms of casualties and resources that they ultimately weakened his own forces significantly.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to Pyrrhic?
Options: costly; beneficial; profitable; rewarding
Answer: costly
Synonyms: costly; counterproductive; disastrous; fruitless; futile; hollow; ineffectual; ruinous; unavailing; unprofitable
Example: "The Pyrrhic victory left the army decimated and demoralized."

recompense (noun) /ˈrɛkəmpɛns/
Meaning: It can refer to a financial compensation, such as money or benefits, or non-financial compensation, such as an apology, recognition or an act of kindness.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to recompense?
Options: compensation; forfeiture; loss; penalty
Answer: compensation
Synonyms: amends; compensation; damages; indemnification; pay; quittance; redress; reimbursement; remuneration; reparation; repayment; restitution
Example: "He received generous recompense for his years of service."

recoup (verb) /rɪˈkuːp/
Meaning: It can also mean to gain back or retrieve something, or to make up for something that has been lost or wasted.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to recoup?
Options: recover; lose; forfeit; surrender
Answer: recover
Synonyms: compensate; reacquire; recapture; redeem; reimburse; replenish; repossess; retake; retrieve
Example: "I hope to recoup my investment in the stock market."

reimburse (verb) /ˌriːɪmˈbəːs/
Meaning: When a person is reimbursed, they are repaid for money that they have spent on something, such as travel expenses, medical bills, or business costs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to reimburse?
Options: compensate; charge; debit; bill
Answer: compensate
Synonyms: indemnify; reciprocate; recompense; redress; refund; remunerate; repay; restore; return
Example: "The company will reimburse you for your travel expenses."

remittance (noun) /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/
Meaning: Remittances are commonly associated with financial support provided by immigrants or individuals working abroad to their families or loved ones in their home country.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to remittance?
Options: transfer; non-payment; withdrawal; confiscation
Answer: transfer
Synonyms: allowance; consideration; contribution; delivery; deposit; disbursement; fund; pay; payment; remission; salary; settlement
Example: "The overseas worker eagerly awaited the monthly remittance from their family back home."

remunerate (verb) /rɪˈmjuːnəreɪt/
Meaning: It is used in situations when an individual or organization is being compensated for their time, effort and skills.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to remunerate?
Options: pay; underpay; exploit; shortchange
Answer: pay
Synonyms: award; compensate; grant; indemnify; recompense; refund; reimburse; requite; reward
Example: "The company is committed to remunerate employees fairly for their hard work."

remuneration (noun) /rɪˌmyu nəˈreɪ ʃən/
Meaning: It is a noun that encompasses the financial or non-financial rewards provided to individuals as a result of their contributions or efforts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to remuneration?
Options: payment; nonpayment; forfeiture; penalty
Answer: payment
Synonyms: compensation; earnings; emolument; fee; honorarium; income; payment; recompense; reward; salary; stipend; wages
Example: "She negotiated a higher remuneration for her new position."

reparation (noun) /ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: The term is most commonly used in the context of historical injustices, such as slavery, colonization, and genocide, where one group of people has been systematically oppressed, exploited or harmed by another.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to reparation?
Options: compensation; damage; harm; injury
Answer: compensation
Synonyms: amends; atonement; compensation; damages; indemnification; indemnity; recompense; rectification; redress; reimbursement; remedy; repayment
Example: "The reparation for the damage was considerable."

revenue (noun) /ˈrɛvəˌnu/
Meaning: It is the total amount of money that a company or government receives from its customers or taxpayers during a specific period.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to revenue?
Options: income; loss; debt; expense
Answer: income
Synonyms: dividend; gain; interest; money; proceeds; profit; receipts; return; rewards; takings; yield
Example: "The company's revenue increased significantly after the successful launch of their new product."

stipend (noun) /ˈstʌɪpɛnd/
Meaning: The payment is often made to cover basic expenses, such as living costs, and it is usually less than a full salary.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stipend?
Options: allowance; non-payment; debt; deduction
Answer: allowance
Synonyms: allocation; allowance; award; benefaction; donation; endowment; grant; subsidy
Example: "Graduate students often receive a monthly stipend."

thrifty (adjective) /ˈθrɪfti/
Meaning: A thrifty person is someone who is diligent in saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to thrifty?
Options: economical; extravagant; profligate; wasteful
Answer: economical
Synonyms: budgeting; careful; economical; efficient; frugal; parsimonious; provident; prudent; resourceful; saving; scrimping; sparing
Example: "The thrifty couple rarely indulged in luxury purchases."