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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.

Smaller suppliers in particular have little recourse to recoup costs when automakers cancel a vehicle program and stop buying parts, Karol said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, the company is hoping lawsuits from other businesses will create a fair process where everyone can recoup their payments.

From The Wall Street Journal

R&D and infrastructure costs need to be recouped in a relatively small number of sales, Savelsberg said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was like hypnotism,” said Rao, who never recouped any funds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Commerce and Bell Gardens will both place measures on the June ballot proposing a 0.25 percentage point increase in sales tax to recoup general funds the cities would lose due to the ban.

From Los Angeles Times