as in revenge
the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury
we are hoping to get payback for the humiliating defeat we suffered at the hands of our rivals during our last matchup
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
pay back
2 of 2phrase
as in reimburse
to make a return payment to
I already paid back what I owed you for groceries.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of payback
Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No one likes being bullied, and while victims may see no choice today but to comply, the abuse fosters anger, resentment and the desire for payback.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
The Bulldogs will have payback on their minds after a no-show start in a wild 41-34 loss in Tuscaloosa last season.
—Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
Reigns dished out the punishment to Paul Heyman’s minions in a bit of payback for a revenge attack after WrestleMania 41.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Feigenbaum argues that while high-speed rail is energy efficient, the emissions payback timeline might be longer than expected.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No one likes being bullied, and while victims may see no choice today but to comply, the abuse fosters anger, resentment and the desire for payback.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
The Bulldogs will have payback on their minds after a no-show start in a wild 41-34 loss in Tuscaloosa last season.
—Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
Reigns dished out the punishment to Paul Heyman’s minions in a bit of payback for a revenge attack after WrestleMania 41.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
In the lead-up to this revenge match, Rodgers insisted that this was Week 1, and only Week 1.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Rodgers will look to replicate his success, while star wide receiver DK Metcalf will have his chance at a revenge game against his old team.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The moment is ripe for Maduro's fall, and meaningful retaliation is unlikely.—
Kristina Foltz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In healthy work environments, information flows freely, and people feel safe speaking up with ideas, concerns or feedback without fear of retaliation.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Afghan, who asked to remain anonymous, has lived for months at a time without leaving his home, fearful of retribution, and torture, from the Taliban.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
5 Sep. 2025
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There was a group of men, all of them in fear of retribution from the Union, who were jettisoning for Mexico, to build a life that accorded with their beliefs and to seek great fortune while doing so.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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