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

• reprisal
• requital
• retaliation
• retribution
• revenge
• vengeance

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

The Yankees have a chance for payback after losing to the Dodgers in the World Series last fall. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025

Why was that the right moment for this episode to end on? Since Episode 2, everything in this season has been about payback, and this incredible stew of emotions that Ellie is experiencing. —Matt Minton, Variety, 12 May 2025

Along with the Big 12 title, the Horned Frogs will be aiming for payback against the Wildcats after Arizona defeated TCU 2-1 in their three game series at the beginning of May. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025

Then again, perhaps a nontraditional lender will want to extend the money in hopes of a different sort of payback. —Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing payback

• payback time

Rhymes for payback

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