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
Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
Most aren’t susceptible to personal appeals with no payback.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
The Yankees have a chance for payback after losing to the Dodgers in the World Series last fall.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Why was that the right moment for this episode to end on?
Since Episode 2, everything in this season has been about payback, and this incredible stew of emotions that Ellie is experiencing.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
The Trump administration uses over 10 agencies in various ways to get payback.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
Most aren’t susceptible to personal appeals with no payback.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
The Yankees have a chance for payback after losing to the Dodgers in the World Series last fall.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Why was that the right moment for this episode to end on?
Since Episode 2, everything in this season has been about payback, and this incredible stew of emotions that Ellie is experiencing.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
Agnes doesn’t process her experience the way a movie character might be expected to — with, say, revenge or sudden catharsis.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
4 July 2025
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Texas 24, Ohio State 21 (Jan. 5, 2009): After Ohio State earned some revenge in 2006 with a 24-7 win that snapped UT's 21-game winning streak, the two schools met for a third time in a four-season span in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Some, the retribution seekers, were eager to dish; those forced to appear via subpoena sat deadpan.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
3 July 2025
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In light of the settlements, critics have argued that news networks and tech companies are kowtowing to Trump in order to preserve access to the White House and protect against retribution.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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