payback

noun

pay·​back ˈpā-ˌbak 

1

: requital

2

: a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay

also : the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped

Synonyms of payback

• revenge
• retaliation
• retribution

Examples of payback in a Sentence

They beat our team last year, so we've got to beat them this year as payback.

we are hoping to get payback for the humiliating defeat we suffered at the hands of our rivals during our last matchup

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, the payback period could be as short as two to three years. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

The intended insult was Dorit’s payback after Sutton spent the season mocking her costar’s wallet size. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 June 2026

For many American families, the question is no longer about environmental preference or long-term payback math. — Vinesh Karthic Padmanabhan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The government launched its online portal for processing refund requests on April 20, and importers have been rushing to file for paybacks ever since. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing payback

• payback time

Rhymes for payback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback