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
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Without the tax credits, solar systems might still make financial sense in places that get a lot of sun or have high electricity prices, or both, but the payback period will likely grow.
—Tik Root, Wired News, 24 May 2025
The average payback period for an investment in Smartex is nine to 18 months, according to the Apparel Impact Institute.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Clark allowed Bueckers to drop to the end of the first round but got a little payback by taking the final Husky, Gabby Williams, with her second reserve pick.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Tensions heightened June 23 over possible payback by Tehran against the U.S. or its allies after strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities amid fears that the Mideast conflict could spiral into a wider war.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Without the tax credits, solar systems might still make financial sense in places that get a lot of sun or have high electricity prices, or both, but the payback period will likely grow.
—Tik Root, Wired News, 24 May 2025
The average payback period for an investment in Smartex is nine to 18 months, according to the Apparel Impact Institute.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Clark allowed Bueckers to drop to the end of the first round but got a little payback by taking the final Husky, Gabby Williams, with her second reserve pick.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback
Noun
-
Cady Stanton: Pivoting more to the international tax side here — section 899, also referred to as the revenge tax, made a lot of news when it was included in the House bill, and subsequently removed following the announcement about this agreement between the United States and other G7 countries.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
The Sky Clubs were no match for the burst of revenge travelers.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
The Statesman visited several of the properties on the list and heard a variety of experiences from residents, most of whom did not want to be named for fear of retribution.—
Ella McCarthy,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
The detectives suspect that these are killings of retribution, but soon discover that eerily similar murders are taking place all over the country.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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