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

Now, the payback period could be as short as two to three years. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

The payback test A key question underlying the lofty valuations of the hyperscalers and other AI companies is whether their capital spending plans reflect realistic revenue forecasts, according to economist Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Infamously, the novelist Richard Ford spat on Whitehead at a party, as payback for a pan in the Times Book Review. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

The government launched its online portal for processing refund requests on April 20, and importers have been rushing to file for paybacks ever since. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 15 June 2026