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
Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No one likes being bullied, and while victims may see no choice today but to comply, the abuse fosters anger, resentment and the desire for payback.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
The Bulldogs will have payback on their minds after a no-show start in a wild 41-34 loss in Tuscaloosa last season.
—Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
Reigns dished out the punishment to Paul Heyman’s minions in a bit of payback for a revenge attack after WrestleMania 41.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Feigenbaum argues that while high-speed rail is energy efficient, the emissions payback timeline might be longer than expected.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No one likes being bullied, and while victims may see no choice today but to comply, the abuse fosters anger, resentment and the desire for payback.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
The Bulldogs will have payback on their minds after a no-show start in a wild 41-34 loss in Tuscaloosa last season.
—Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 6 Aug. 2025
Reigns dished out the punishment to Paul Heyman’s minions in a bit of payback for a revenge attack after WrestleMania 41.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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Thompson, 24, ran with revenge in his heart next to Lyles.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Henson embarks on a campaign of revenge, which ranges from Bride Wars-style antics (acid on a wedding dress) to more serious Fatal Attraction-esque offenses, like the beyond-bonkers, ax-wielding climax set on a yacht.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Eventually, under pressure, Driscoll put together a list of 6,000 people that included employee identification numbers, not names, in order to protect the FBI workers from retaliation and threats.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
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Aiding Ukraine has already begun to be a controversial subject in Poland; the prospect of Russian attacks in retaliation could drive up opposition, especially if the United States proves unreliable.—
Robert Kagan,
The Atlantic,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While there is definitely debate on whether or not the graphic videos of Kirk’s death should be shown, those rejoicing in his death are receiving rapid retribution.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The new policy began September 5, and its effects have since rippled across the sprawling agency, according to two people at NASA who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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