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
Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
On Tuesday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made a similar move, writing to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking for payback from the federal government for her constituents.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
With Colorado, there will be payback in mind not only for the blowout in February, but also because the Buffaloes eliminated TCU in the Big 12 Tournament last year.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
The payback could come in the draft as the third running back taken in the top 10 in the past four years.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Perhaps the Project Hail Mary actor will get his payback this Saturday night?
—Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
On Tuesday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made a similar move, writing to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking for payback from the federal government for her constituents.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
With Colorado, there will be payback in mind not only for the blowout in February, but also because the Buffaloes eliminated TCU in the Big 12 Tournament last year.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
The payback could come in the draft as the third running back taken in the top 10 in the past four years.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
Consider this evilmeister’s brazen acts of treason and revenge, unbounded deceit, swinish immorality and negative role modeling.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Out of such poverty comes hatred, resentment and a desire for revenge, and this cycle of hostility can continue for years.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
All three lawsuits allege retaliation by town officials against the plaintiffs.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Busfield has called the allegations an act of retaliation after the boys were recast on the show.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The doctor asked to be identified by a pseudonym, citing fears of professional retribution.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Even if there were no hostile government left in place, people within society who have lost everything may still be driven to seek retribution.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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