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

This could be karmic payback for making everyone watch Michigan State play in those highlighter green uniforms from a few years ago. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Instead, the legislation will accelerate the payback period for studios that elect to refund their credits for cash. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

The Sailors knew playing Edison represented an opportunity for payback and to open the Sunset League on a positive note. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026

Daniel Weiner told jurors that the rapper, whose legal name is Durk Devontay Banks, wanted payback for the shooting death of Dayvon Bennett, known as King Von. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026