reward
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
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to recompense or requite (a person or animal) for service, merit, achievement, etc.
- Synonyms:
- remunerate, pay, compensate
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to make return for or requite (service, merit, etc.); recompense.
noun
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something given or received in return for a deed or service rendered
-
a sum of money offered, esp for help in finding a criminal or for the return of lost or stolen property
-
profit or return
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something received in return for good or evil; deserts
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psychol any pleasant event that follows a response and therefore increases the likelihood of the response recurring in the future
verb
Related Words
Reward, prize, recompense imply something given in return for good. A reward is something given or done in return for good (or, more rarely, evil) received; it may refer to something abstract or concrete: a $50 reward; Virtue is its own reward. Prize refers to something concrete offered as a reward of merit, or to be contested for and given to the winner: to win a prize for an essay. A recompense is something given or done, whether as reward or punishment, for acts performed, services rendered, etc.; or it may be something given in compensation for loss or injury suffered, etc.: Renown was his principal recompense for years of hard work.
Other Word Forms
- misreward verb (used with object)
- overreward verb
- rewardable adjective
- rewardableness noun
- rewardably adverb
- rewarder noun
- rewardless adjective
- superreward verb (used with object)
- unrewardable adjective
- unrewarded adjective
- well-rewarded adjective
Etymology
Origin of reward
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English (verb) rewarden originally, “to regard,” from Old North French rewarder “to look at,” variant of Old French reguarder; regard
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.
Yet for all the unease over AI coming for white-collar jobs in software and beyond, investors may in some cases reward companies for newfound efficiencies ushered in by the technology.
From MarketWatch
Twice in the past three decades, the San Antonio Spurs have sunk to the bottom of the standings and been rewarded with the top pick in the draft.
The battle illustrates the potential risks and rewards of spending millions on real estate and new operations to win over shoppers.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos skillfully brings viewers along for the ride, stretching and then rewarding their sympathy with Teddy, even as his behavior becomes ever more outlandish.
From Barron's
Khomeini became supreme leader and rewarded his devotees with government jobs.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
