comeuppance

noun

come·​up·​pance (ˌ)kəm-ˈə-pən(t)s 

: a deserved rebuke or penalty : deserts

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

Synonyms of comeuppance

• punishment
• wrath
• penalty

Examples of comeuppance in a Sentence

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

as with many action movies, this one ends with a wild chase and an over-the-top fight sequence in which the bad guys finally get their comeuppance

Recent Examples on the Web

Waltz lends a slimy charisma to the merciless SS colonel, who gets a satisfying comeuppance via carving knife. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

But gerrymanderers are always making maps based on the last election—which means voters might have a chance to give them their comeuppance. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026

These tend to involve love affairs or status issues or shock revelations and result in dismayed reactions and abrupt comeuppances for previously unflappable characters. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026

The ensuing tale of scandal and comeuppance frames the earlier portrayal of the artist as a young man. —Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

come up + -ance

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for comeuppance

• tuppence

Kids Definition

comeuppance

noun

come·​up·​pance (ˌ)kəm-ˈəp-ən(t)s 

: strong criticism that is deserved