kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
Synonyms of kickbacknext
1
: a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion
… every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials.—D. K. Shipler
2
: a sharp violent reaction

kick back

2 of 2

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude
also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy
spent the weekend just kicking back

Synonyms of kickback

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Verb

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Examples of kickback in a Sentence

Noun Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks. Verb I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television. a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The guardian approved fraudulent time sheets, and Davis paid the guardian kickbacks, the release says. — Arkansas Online, 18 June 2026 Her scheme also entailed the payment of bribes and kickbacks, according to prosecutors. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
My mom kicked back in comfort with a good book. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 Goths deserve to kick back and relax, too! — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kickback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kickback was in 1920

Phrases Containing kickback

Rhymes for kickback

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Browse Nearby Words

kick-ass
kickback
kick back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kickback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kickback. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb
: relax sense 4

Legal Definition

kickback

noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor
convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals
compare bribe, payoff

Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.

More from Merriam-Webster on kickback

Nglish: Translation of kickback for Spanish Speakers

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