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
Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Between the lines: This logic implies that any country with which the United States experiences a trade deficit, regardless of the reason, is in some way a bad actor and requires tariffs as payback.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
Most commonly, it is said that consumers have high discount rates and thus require rapid payback on their purchases--which implicitly is the same as saying the product is not cheap.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
This match served as payback for Sikoa's interference in Strowman's United States Title match against Carmelo Hayes.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
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
Between the lines: This logic implies that any country with which the United States experiences a trade deficit, regardless of the reason, is in some way a bad actor and requires tariffs as payback.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
Most commonly, it is said that consumers have high discount rates and thus require rapid payback on their purchases--which implicitly is the same as saying the product is not cheap.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
This match served as payback for Sikoa's interference in Strowman's United States Title match against Carmelo Hayes.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
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What was supposed to be a revenge tour has turned into a stumble out of the gate.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Earlier in the night, the No. 6 Pistons got revenge on the No. 3 Knicks in a 100-94 win.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Law firms and attorneys who have sued or prosecuted Trump, or represented his adversaries, have been targeted for retribution and concessions.—
Daniel Hall,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
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The finale found Dan seeking financial retribution from the pharmaceutical company responsible for Roseanne's opioid overdose.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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