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

There’s been no payback so far in terms of results and De Zerbi — a combustible Italian coach — is under growing pressure heading into a long international break. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

The measure exempts independent films from the cap, and allows studios to accelerate the payback period on refundable tax credits from five years to two years. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

The victory was also payback for West Boca (3-0), which avenged last season’s 26-20 overtime loss to Newman. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Some of the voice actors have said in interviews that there’s so much emotional payback in that scene, and everyone’s going to have so many complicated emotions about the really beautiful scene. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026