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
Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The movie seems to lean into a theory that Costello tipped off local authorities that a bunch of guys up to no good were going to get together—possibly as payback for Genovese trying to kill him.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
However, the originals were not delivering the payback YouTube execs anticipated via subscriptions.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
The intent was in part payback for the high tariffs imposed on us, but also to force trade negotiations that are more fair to and for America.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
However, after Daly previously morphed Coel's Shania into a monstrous alien creature as payback for her stepping in to defend Nannette from one of Daly's assaults, Brooker's new story reveals her grim fate amid the video game's contentious landscape.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The movie seems to lean into a theory that Costello tipped off local authorities that a bunch of guys up to no good were going to get together—possibly as payback for Genovese trying to kill him.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
However, the originals were not delivering the payback YouTube execs anticipated via subscriptions.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
The intent was in part payback for the high tariffs imposed on us, but also to force trade negotiations that are more fair to and for America.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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More than revenge Like all presidents, Trump needs allies who will faithfully implement his policy agenda.—
Erica Frantz,
The Conversation,
16 May 2025
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The stakes escalate with a mordant velocity reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s revenge sagas, a point of reference that continues through the darkly funny — and patently absurd — coda that Aster tacks on to the end of his film’s pulse-pounding final shootout.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
16 May 2025
Noun
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The few lamenting Pete Rose’s reinstatement to Major League Baseball are speaking from the ideology of punishment as retribution, not correction.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2025
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According to the employee, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, that happened as music and sports events at nearby venues were ending.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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