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
Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
The Knicks got payback in the same round two years later, with Ewing’s 31.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game leading them to a 3-2 series victory.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025
His vote drew fierce protests and even prompted a ballot measure to seize his 200-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse as payback.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 9 May 2025
But Bolton wouldn’t go that far, even after 100 days of payback.
—Sean Rameswaram, Vox, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Then again, perhaps a nontraditional lender will want to extend the money in hopes of a different sort of payback.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
The Knicks got payback in the same round two years later, with Ewing’s 31.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game leading them to a 3-2 series victory.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025
His vote drew fierce protests and even prompted a ballot measure to seize his 200-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse as payback.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 9 May 2025
But Bolton wouldn’t go that far, even after 100 days of payback.
—Sean Rameswaram, Vox, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
After a foul ball, Chapman exacted some revenge, striking out Devers on a 102 MPH heater up in the zone.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
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Soleimani’s death threatened to heighten tensions between the U.S. and Iran back in 2020, and some Iranian officials have since called for Trump to be put on trial or face revenge from Tehran.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
22 June 2025
Noun
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More than a half-dozen environmentalists and waste advocates asked to comment for this story declined to speak on the record, citing concerns including possible retribution from the governor’s office and appearing to look like scolds as negotiations over implementing SB 54 continue.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2025
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Speaking through voice recordings, messages and occasional calls, all the people interviewed asked CNN not to reveal their full names for fear of retribution from Iran’s authorities.—
CNN staff,
CNN Money,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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