compensate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "compensate crossword clue", organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle. Whether you're looking to make up for a missed answer or just need a hint, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "compensate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAY: To give money for work done or goods received.
5 Letters
REPAY: To pay back a loan or debt.
6 Letters
OFFSET: To balance or counteract; to make up for.
REWARD: To give something in recognition of service, effort, or achievement.
MAKEUP: To form or constitute; to compensate for a deficiency.
9 Letters
REIMBURSE: To repay (a person who has spent or lost money).
INDEMNIFY: To compensate for loss or damage.
More About "compensate crossword clue"
The term "compensate" in crosswords often points to a wide array of meanings, from financial remuneration to making amends or balancing an equation. It's a versatile clue that can lead to diverse answers depending on the specific context provided by the puzzle setter. Puzzlers need to consider if the clue hints at a monetary exchange, an act of restoration, or simply an act of evening things out.
Common interpretations include paying back a debt, balancing a scale, or providing a reward for effort. Crossword setters frequently leverage these different nuances, meaning that a solution could be a direct synonym for 'pay', 'offset', 'reward', or even a more formal term like 'reimburse' or 'indemnify'. Paying attention to the word count and any crossing letters is crucial for narrowing down the possibilities.
Understanding the subtle differences in the clue's phrasing—for example, "make up for" versus "pay back"—can guide you to the correct answer. The world of crosswords thrives on wordplay, and "compensate" is a prime example of how a single word can open up multiple paths to a solution, all requiring a slightly different angle of approach.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: "Compensate" can mean many things. Consider if the clue implies money, balance, or making amends. Is it past tense, plural, or part of a phrase?
- Check Word Lengths: Always cross-reference the number of letters in the answer grid with the potential solutions. Our answers section is sorted by length for this exact purpose.
- Look for Synonyms & Antonyms: Many crossword clues are direct synonyms. Think of words that mean "compensate" or its opposite, depending on the clue's tone. Sometimes a clue might be indirect or witty, requiring a more lateral thought process.
- Use Cross-Referencing: Fill in easier answers first. The letters from solved clues will provide valuable hints for trickier ones like "compensate," narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
- Think of Phrasal Verbs: "Make up for," "pay back," and "even out" are common ways to express compensation in English. Sometimes the single-word answer for a crossword clue is a concise way to express such a phrasal verb.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'compensate' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'compensate' usually refers to making amends, providing payment for a loss, or balancing out an imbalance. It can relate to financial reimbursement, emotional atonement, or simply evening things out.
How do I know which synonym for 'compensate' to use?
The specific wording of the clue, the number of letters required, and any intersecting letters are your best guides. Clues might hint at financial (e.g., "pay back"), balancing (e.g., "even out"), or making amends (e.g., "atone").
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to compensation in crosswords?
While not strictly prefixes/suffixes for 'compensate' itself, words like RE- (repay, reimburse) often appear, indicating a return or repetition. Also, common suffixes like -ATE (compensate, equilibrate) are good to note for longer words.