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
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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
Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
Revoking the clearances is payback, no matter what Trump says.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 17 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
Some Republicans also have expressed interest in payback for Democrats removing Republicans from committees in the recent past.
—Andy Rose, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Noun
Though the raid was carried out by Mexican authorities, U.S. officials have said the Guadalajara cartel blamed Camarena for the takedown and sought payback.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
Revoking the clearances is payback, no matter what Trump says.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 17 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
Some Republicans also have expressed interest in payback for Democrats removing Republicans from committees in the recent past.
—Andy Rose, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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