reparation

noun

rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
Synonyms of reparationnext
1
a
: a repairing or keeping in repair
b
reparations plural : repairs
2
a
: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b
: something done or given as amends or satisfaction
3
: the payment of damages : indemnification
specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation
—usually used in plural

Synonyms

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Examples of reparation in a Sentence

The country paid millions in reparations. They've offered no apologies and seem to have no thoughts of reparation. She says she's sorry and wants to make reparations.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These settlements were comprehensive, invoking bold visions of world peace and involving territorial settlements, population movements, security clauses, and financial reparations. — G. John Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2025 Advocates in Oklahoma have announced a new plan seeking reparations, preservation and economic development for Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and their descendants. — Russell Contreras, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025 People have been talking about reparations for many years. — Mará Rose Williams, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025 Robin Rue Simmons said the reparations program had to be created from the ground up. — Michela Moscufo, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for reparation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reparacion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin reparation-, reparatio, from Latin reparare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reparation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for reparation

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Browse Nearby Words

reparation
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Cite this Entry

“Reparation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reparation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

reparation

noun
rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
1
: a repairing or keeping in repair
a building in need of constant reparation
2
: the act of making up for a wrong
3
: money or materials paid or to be paid by a country losing a war to the winner to make up for damages done in the war
—usually used in plural

Legal Definition

reparation

noun
rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
1
a
: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b
: something done or given as amends or satisfaction
2
: the payment of damages
specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation
—usually used in pl.

More from Merriam-Webster on reparation

Nglish: Translation of reparation for Spanish Speakers

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