make up for (something)
idiom
: to do or have something as a way of correcting or improving (something else)
He wanted to make up for neglecting his children by spending more time with them.
She tried to make up for lost time by working extra hard.
What the movie lacks in plot it makes up for in special effects.
Examples of make up for (something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many staffers at college financial aid offices, meanwhile, have been working longer hours and taking on new responsibilities to make up for the lack of federal support.
—
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Milan’s most valuable assets could be offloaded this summer in order to make up for the financial shortfall of missing out on Champions League football.
—Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The vents around your home may be working overtime to make up for clogged and dirty filters, causing your energy bills to go up.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
Just by having a healthier diet, people can reduce their vulnerability to cavities and the need for fluoride supplements to make up for its absence from community drinking water.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for make up for (something)
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Milan’s most valuable assets could be offloaded this summer in order to make up for the financial shortfall of missing out on Champions League football.
—Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The vents around your home may be working overtime to make up for clogged and dirty filters, causing your energy bills to go up.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
Just by having a healthier diet, people can reduce their vulnerability to cavities and the need for fluoride supplements to make up for its absence from community drinking water.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for make up for (something)
Cite this Entry
“Make up for (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20up%20for%20%28something%29. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share