What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rebate
Example
The company is offering a $50 rebate on this product if you purchase it before the end of the month. [rebate: noun]
Example
I received a rebate check in the mail for 10% of the purchase price. [rebate: noun]
Example
The government issued a rebate to homeowners who installed energy-efficient appliances. [rebate: noun]
refund
Example
I returned the shirt because it didn't fit, and the store gave me a full refund. [refund: noun]
Example
The hotel refunded my money after I canceled my reservation. [refund: verb]
Example
The airline issued refunds to passengers whose flights were canceled due to bad weather. [refund: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refund is more commonly used than rebate in everyday language. Refund is a common term used in retail and service industries, while rebate is more specific to marketing and sales promotions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rebate and refund?
Both rebate and refund are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.