Synonyms of payback

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

• revenge
• retaliation
• retribution
• vengeance
• punishment
• reprisal
• compensation
• requital
• counterattack
• chastisement
• counter
• castigation
• counteroffensive
• correction
• amends
• penalty
• restitution
• indemnity
• wrath
• redress
• reparation(s)
• recompense
• indemnification
• desert(s)
• recoupment
• discipline
• nemesis
• remuneration
• quittance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mercy
• grace
• leniency
• clemency
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remission
• lenity

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

• reimburse
• repay
• refund
• compensate
• render (to)
• give back
• pay off
• reciprocate
• pay up
• satisfy
• pay down
• liquidate
• recompense
• quit
• remunerate
• settle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of payback

Noun

While companies have cashed out their refunds—Nike is said to have received about $300 million, and is expecting to see $1 billion by the end of the year, while Amazon got $600 million in paybacks—consumers aren’t seeing the returns. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026

Trailer Dynamics prices its system between €145,000 and €195,000 and targets a payback period of no more than five years. — IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026

The broader question for investors is whether initiatives like Frontier can convert today’s heavy AI capex into durable, high-margin growth—or simply extend the payback period. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026

How about Austin Hill channeling his inner-Kyle Busch and giving Shane Van Gisbergen some payback in Kyle's old RCR Chevy? — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026