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
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Following closely on his heels is a corrupt cop who wants payback for something Brolin’s character did as a cop.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Many of Colorado’s stars from that team are off to the NFL, but that shouldn’t impact TCU’s desire for payback.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
Could Juno be behind this treachery, as payback for David destroying her spy corporation and for changing his oldest daughter into a killer?
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Well, here’s their chance at proper payback.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Following closely on his heels is a corrupt cop who wants payback for something Brolin’s character did as a cop.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Many of Colorado’s stars from that team are off to the NFL, but that shouldn’t impact TCU’s desire for payback.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
Could Juno be behind this treachery, as payback for David destroying her spy corporation and for changing his oldest daughter into a killer?
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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The decline of Vivien’s first husband, who suffered from dementia, prompts a series of affairs—of convenience, passion, and revenge.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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James’ lawyers have vigorously denied any allegations and characterized the investigation as an act of political revenge.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Kimmel had made a joke about the man alleged to have shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, prompting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr to threaten the network, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, with retaliation.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
24 Sep. 2025
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Israel’s sudden decision to indefinitely close the sole land crossing giving over 3 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank access to international travel, has intensified fears of more restrictions amid Israel’s threats of retaliation against Western recognition of a Palestinian state.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Later, Rabbit seeks retribution for Daniel’s attack on her, sending Stacey to confront him.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
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The network thinks maybe the Iranians are responsible, as retribution for helping the fencer defect.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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