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

Ralapanawe said the tool evaluates 22 decarbonization initiatives using factories’ own data to compare payback periods and potential emissions savings. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Charlotte would have had the largest share of the payback starting at $59 million, according to the city. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

There’s been no payback so far in terms of results and De Zerbi — a combustible Italian coach — is under growing pressure heading into a long international break. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

The measure exempts independent films from the cap, and allows studios to accelerate the payback period on refundable tax credits from five years to two years. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Sep. 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