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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of payback
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
The most concerning messages, experts told NBC News, are proclamations from far-right activists, Republican politicians and conservative influencers about a coming civil war and the need for retribution or payback against the left for Kirk’s killing.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 14 Sep. 2025
Well, here’s their chance at proper payback.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Following closely on his heels is a corrupt cop who wants payback for something Brolin’s character did as a cop.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Spending has been uneven this year with pull-forward demand ahead of tariffs, then some payback followed by an apparent reacceleration.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
The most concerning messages, experts told NBC News, are proclamations from far-right activists, Republican politicians and conservative influencers about a coming civil war and the need for retribution or payback against the left for Kirk’s killing.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 14 Sep. 2025
Well, here’s their chance at proper payback.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Following closely on his heels is a corrupt cop who wants payback for something Brolin’s character did as a cop.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
No matter how unpopular a modern dictator might be, there will be an important percentage of his population who have benefited from his rule, who will be aggrieved by his overthrow, and who, exposed to revenge from the rest, will attempt to preempt it.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2026
-
United got their revenge in the league, though, pipping Leeds to the title on goal average.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Russia said the attack was retaliation for what Moscow claimed was a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Among VenApp users who support the government’s aims is a resident of a slum on the outskirts of Caracas who spoke anonymously, fearing government retaliation for speaking to a foreign journalist and retribution from neighbors who oppose Maduro.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Details on how the administration has subverted health spending have received little attention because many changes have been made quietly -- and people who rely on federal funds fear retribution.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share