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
Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
According to the newspaper, there were a dozen shootings in Compton — including three fatalities — that were considered payback for the killing of Shakur.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 1 July 2025
These details require significant investment and planning, and the commercial payback isn’t always instant, but that’s the point.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: While the payback for most local households will go from six to 10 or more years and still be a worthwhile investment, the elimination of this tax credit is akin to a 42% net after tax price increase.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
The law, and others like it, were seen as payback for Nashville's Metro Council rejecting a draft agreement to host the 2024 Republican National Convention.
—Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
According to the newspaper, there were a dozen shootings in Compton — including three fatalities — that were considered payback for the killing of Shakur.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 1 July 2025
These details require significant investment and planning, and the commercial payback isn’t always instant, but that’s the point.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: While the payback for most local households will go from six to 10 or more years and still be a worthwhile investment, the elimination of this tax credit is akin to a 42% net after tax price increase.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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Based on Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Nautilus follows Nemo’s mission to exact revenge on the East India Mercantile Company.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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That might sound like a typically sadistic revenge thriller a la The Glory.—
Geoffrey Bunting,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Some have theorized that the disappearance was an extreme publicity stunt to promote Christie’s work, or an act of retribution against her husband.—
Emily Zarevich,
JSTOR Daily,
24 July 2025
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Some fear the move could become a tool for political retribution, taking aim at groups serving immigrants and transgender youth.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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