comeback
9 synonyms for comeback, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A return to success or popularity after a period of decline or absence.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use comeback
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stage a comeback
quick comeback
career comeback
Etymology
Formed from the phrase "come back," turned into a single noun.
Full origin of comeback →Frequently asked questions
What does “comeback” mean?
The word “comeback” means a return to success or popularity after a period of decline or absence. In plain terms, a return to form after falling behind or fading from view — in careers, arguments, or sports.
How do you pronounce “comeback”?
“Comeback” is pronounced KUHM-bak (/ˈkʌmbæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “comeback” in a sentence?
Here is “comeback” used in a sentence: “The singer made a stunning comeback with her fifth album.”
What part of speech is “comeback”?
“Comeback” is a noun.
Is “comeback” a common word?
“Comeback” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “comeback” have?
“Comeback” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a return to success or popularity after a period of decline or absence.
Is comeback one word or two?
The noun is one word: "The band made a comeback." The verb is two words: "The band will come back next year." Writing "comeback" where the verb is needed, as in "she will comeback," is a common error.
What is the difference between a comeback and a retort?
Both are quick replies, but a comeback is specifically a witty reply, often made in response to an insult, and the word is informal. A retort is a sharp or angry reply and belongs to a slightly more formal register.
What counts as a comeback in sport?
In sport, a comeback is a team's or athlete's recovery from a significant deficit to win or tie a game. The word is also used when an athlete returns to competition after injury or retirement, matching its general sense of a return to success after absence.
