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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of payback
Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Earlier this year, Jost and Johansson teamed up for payback during the May rendition of the joke swap segment.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Dec. 2025
While 85% of organizations are increasing their AI investment, only 6% are seeing a payback in under a year.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
New data shows a growing number of disgruntled employees now prefer to exact workplace payback sooner than later.
—Bruce Crumley, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Intent on payback, Bernadine strips all of his clothing from the closet and begins tossing them into his BMW, power-walking between the closet and the vehicle in just a robe and a negligee, carting each load of belongings in a child’s wagon.
—Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Earlier this year, Jost and Johansson teamed up for payback during the May rendition of the joke swap segment.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Dec. 2025
While 85% of organizations are increasing their AI investment, only 6% are seeing a payback in under a year.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
New data shows a growing number of disgruntled employees now prefer to exact workplace payback sooner than later.
—Bruce Crumley, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
No matter how unpopular a modern dictator might be, there will be an important percentage of his population who have benefited from his rule, who will be aggrieved by his overthrow, and who, exposed to revenge from the rest, will attempt to preempt it.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2026
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United got their revenge in the league, though, pipping Leeds to the title on goal average.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Russia said the attack was retaliation for what Moscow claimed was a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As national Republicans pledge retribution for redistricting, what Statehouse primary will Banks get involved in next?—
Hayleigh Colombo,
IndyStar,
9 Jan. 2026
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This is just another preemptive Trump retribution move.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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