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
Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
But Cluff made four free throws in the final 43 seconds, and the Boilermakers got some payback for a two-point loss at Pauley Pavilion in January.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
The novel works well as a story about sisters and sisterhood, toxic relationships, payback, herbs and a touch of the mystic.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
But Cluff made four free throws in the final 43 seconds, and the Boilermakers got some payback for a two-point loss at Pauley Pavilion in January.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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The attack occurred moments before she was slated to walk down the aisle to wed her childhood sweetheart — the climax of a revenge attack amid an ongoing feud.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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As previously announced, Michelle Mao will play Yara and Kyriana Kratter will play Lev, siblings whose paths cross with Abby at a pivotal moment, as Ellie begins her revenge rampage in Seattle.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Liman’s decision dropped Lively’s claims of harassment, defamation and conspiracy, meaning the trial will now center on alleged breach of contract and retaliation by Wayfarer and aiding and abetting retaliation by the PR firm working for Baldoni.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
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Iran threatened retaliation after the US seized one of its cargo ships, denting hopes of an imminent peace deal.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Five hours after the release of the video, which, because of the crude grave act, police consider among the most incendiary distrack recordings ever released by a Fort Worth gang member, Jaquan Wright sought retribution at a Crip stronghold.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
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Steer ended up getting plunked on Thursday, retribution for his Jomboy-worthy fracas.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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