PAY BACK Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

payback 1 of 2

noun

ˈpā-ˌbak

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pay back

2 of 2

phrase

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of payback

Noun

Microsoft highlights productivity gains and organizational change, but there isn’t a focus on tying AI adoption to margin improvement, cost reduction, or payback periods. —

Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 May 2026 Piper Sandler said the anticipated payback could be a major tailwind for Nike, whose stock is down more than 30% this year. —

Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 11 May 2026 Some of the fallout was payback. —

Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 So, instead of looking to exercise some demons from their recent past, the Avs will have the opportunity to get payback for ones from further back in the club’s history. —

Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for payback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback

Noun

Wong got his replay-review revenge with a two-run single and advanced to second on a throwing error by left fielder Stuart Fairchild, Cleveland’s fourth error of the contest.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Some members of Assad’s Alawite sect have been subjected to revenge attacks by members of Islamist groups who drove Assad from power.

— Ahmad Mantash, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026