even the score

phrase

1
: to get enough points, goals, runs, etc., to have the same score as one's opponent : to tie the score in a game
They evened the score at 5–5.
2
: to harm or punish someone who caused one harm

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Even the score.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/even%20the%20score. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster