What does "reward" mean?
Something of value given in return for an act.
Reward
/ɹɪˈwɔːd/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something of value given in return for an act.
- Grammar: reward is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: payoff, reinforcement, a prize, academy award.
- Useful contrasts: disciplined, educational consequence, official sanction.
- Usage evidence: Every effort deserves a reward.
How to use "reward"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "reward" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "reward" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "reward" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "reward" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "reward" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "payoff" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "reward", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something of value given in return for an act.
"For catching the thief, you'll get a nice reward."
- 2 an act performed to strengthen approved behavior wordnet
- 3 A prize promised for a certain deed or catch
"The rewards for bringing in badly wanted criminals are printed on 'dead or alive' posters."
- 4 benefit resulting from some event or action wordnet
- 5 The result of an action, whether good or bad.
"Is this the reward I get for telling the truth: to be put in jail?"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property wordnet
- 7 a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing wordnet
- 8 payment made in return for a service rendered wordnet
Verb
- 1 To give a reward to or for. transitive
"Why are you rewarding the child for misbehaving?"
- 2 strengthen and support with rewards wordnet
- 3 To be a recompense for. transitive
"Decorations are meant to reward the most meritous acts and services."
- 4 act or give recompense in recognition of someone's behavior or actions wordnet
- 5 To give (something) as a reward. obsolete, transitive
"Thenne syr Marhaus departed and within two dayes his damoysel brought hym where as was a grete tornement that the lady de Vawse has cryed […] And there syr Marhaus dyd so nobly that he was renomed & had somtyme doune fourty knyghtes and soo the serklet of gold was rewarded hym"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 bestow honor or rewards upon wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Every effort deserves a reward."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "reward"?
Common synonyms include: payoff, reinforcement, a prize, academy award, advantage, amends.
How do you use "reward" in a sentence?
Every effort deserves a reward.
How do you pronounce "reward"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈwɔːd/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English reward, rewarde, from Old French reward (“reward”) (compare Old French regard, whence modern French regard, and also English regard through Middle French), from rewarder (“to reward”) (compare Old French reguarder), from re- + warder (“to guard, keep”) (compare Old French guarder); the Anglo-Norman forms are derived from Old Northern French variants of Old French, ultimately of Germanic (Frankish) origin. Compare regard, warden, guard. See more below. Mostly displaced Old English mēd, whence Modern English meed. Displaced Old English lēan and edlēan.
Etymology 2
From Middle English rewarden, from Anglo-Norman rewarder (“to reward”), from re- + warder (“to guard, keep”), from Old Northern French [Term?], from Frankish *wardōn (“to guard, keep”), from Proto-Germanic *wardōną (“to guard, defend”), from Proto-Indo-European *wer- (“to cover, shelter, defend, guard, shut”). Cognate with Old Saxon wardōn (“to guard, provide for, protect”), Old English weardian (“to guard”), Old High German wartēn (“to watch, keep, look after”). More at ward. Piecewise doublet of regard. Displaced Old English lēanian. In this sense, displaced Old English ġieldan, whence Modern English yield.