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
Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The movie seems to lean into a theory that Costello tipped off local authorities that a bunch of guys up to no good were going to get together—possibly as payback for Genovese trying to kill him.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
However, the originals were not delivering the payback YouTube execs anticipated via subscriptions.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
The intent was in part payback for the high tariffs imposed on us, but also to force trade negotiations that are more fair to and for America.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
However, after Daly previously morphed Coel's Shania into a monstrous alien creature as payback for her stepping in to defend Nannette from one of Daly's assaults, Brooker's new story reveals her grim fate amid the video game's contentious landscape.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The movie seems to lean into a theory that Costello tipped off local authorities that a bunch of guys up to no good were going to get together—possibly as payback for Genovese trying to kill him.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
However, the originals were not delivering the payback YouTube execs anticipated via subscriptions.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
The intent was in part payback for the high tariffs imposed on us, but also to force trade negotiations that are more fair to and for America.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
The thing that the audience expects is that Emily has some really dark plan up her sleeve for revenge on Stephanie.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
-
To kick off his second term, President Donald Trump sought revenge on President Joe Biden, elite law firms, elite universities, and even some of his former staffers — including John Bolton.—
Sean Rameswaram,
Vox,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
This ruling affirms core constitutional freedoms all Americans hold dear, including free speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without the fear of retribution.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
3 May 2025
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This agenda of retribution has defined the early days of the second Trump administration.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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