a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement, a fair return for good or bad behavior, a sum offered for the detection or capture of a criminal, the recovery of lost or stolen property, etc.

spoil someone with rewards, take the rough with the smooth, throw someone a bone

reap the rewards, rewarding experience, reward for effort

Formal and Informal Expressions of reward

In different contexts, you can replace 'reward' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'compensation, remuneration' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'prize, goodie' is a commonplace synonym.

reward: Explore its Definition & Usage

reward Definition

1a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement
2a fair return for good or bad behavior
3a sum offered for the detection or capture of a criminal, the recovery of lost or stolen property, etc.

Using reward: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company offers rewards to its employees for meeting their targets.
Example
He received a reward for his bravery.
Example
The police are offering a reward for any information about the robbery.
Example
Hard work is its own reward.

reward Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reward

Antonyms for reward

Idioms Using reward

spoil someone with rewards
to give someone too many rewards or gifts, often to the point of causing harm
Example
Her parents spoiled her with rewards for every little accomplishment, which made her entitled and ungrateful.
take the rough with the smooth
to accept the good and bad aspects of a situation
Example
In any job, you have to take the rough with the smooth and not expect to be rewarded for every little thing.
throw someone a bone
to give someone a small reward or concession in order to keep them satisfied or motivated
Example
The boss threw him a bone by giving him a small bonus, hoping it would motivate him to work harder.

Phrases with reward

reap the rewards
to enjoy the benefits or positive outcomes of something that one has worked hard to achieve
Example
After years of studying, she finally reaped the rewards of her hard work and landed her dream job.
rewarding experience
an experience that is fulfilling, satisfying, or enjoyable
Example
Volunteering at the animal shelter was a rewarding experience for her.
reward for effort
a benefit or compensation given to someone for their hard work or effort
Example
She received a bonus as a reward for her effort in completing the project ahead of schedule.

Origins of reward

from Old North French 'reisward', meaning 'repayment'

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Summary: reward in Brief

The term 'reward' [rɪˈwɔːd] refers to a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement, or a fair return for good or bad behavior. It can also mean a sum offered for the detection or capture of a criminal or the recovery of lost or stolen property. Examples include 'The company offers rewards to its employees for meeting their targets.' and 'Hard work is its own reward.' Phrases like 'reap the rewards' and idioms like 'throw someone a bone' further illustrate the concept of reward.