PAY (BACK) Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

payback 1 of 2

noun

ˈpā-ˌbak

Definition of payback

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pay back

2 of 2

phrase

as in reimburse

to make a return payment to I already paid back what I owed you for groceries.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of payback

Noun

There’s been no payback so far in terms of results and De Zerbi — a combustible Italian coach — is under growing pressure heading into a long international break. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 The measure exempts independent films from the cap, and allows studios to accelerate the payback period on refundable tax credits from five years to two years. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 The victory was also payback for West Boca (3-0), which avenged last season’s 26-20 overtime loss to Newman. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026 Some of the voice actors have said in interviews that there’s so much emotional payback in that scene, and everyone’s going to have so many complicated emotions about the really beautiful scene. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for payback

Noun

When asked whether Kessler’s return would spark extra motivation for the Jazz, Utah coach Will Hardy dispelled any suggestions of revenge.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Wu stars alongside Chris Pratt, a NAVY seal out for revenge after the murder of his family.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of revenge

Noun

The suit calls not merely for reinstatement of access that has already been impacted, but for a broad injunction that would protect from retaliation every news outlet that covers the White House -- now, and in the future.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
The Hashemite Kingdom’s air force Monday evening carried out airstrikes in Syria in retaliation for last week’s attacks on a funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church in the southern Jordanian city of Karak that killed nine people.

— Ghaith Alsayed, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of retaliation

Noun

On September 4th, Henderson received a reminder of the retribution that might await her.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Later, in 1711, the colony passed a legislative act to make reparations to the victims, including restoring the good names of the accused and paying financial retributions to the families of the accused.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of retribution

Browse Nearby Words

payable

payback

pay back

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Style

“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payback. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of payback

noun

phrase

Example Sentences

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