payback
5 synonyms for payback, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Revenge for something someone has done.
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 payback
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
payback time
payback period
Etymology
A noun formed from the phrasal verb "pay back."
Full origin of payback →Frequently asked questions
What does “payback” mean?
The word “payback” means revenge for something someone has done. In plain terms, getting even with someone, or getting your money back on an investment.
How do you pronounce “payback”?
“Payback” is pronounced PAY-bak (/ˈpeɪbæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “payback” in a sentence?
Here is “payback” used in a sentence: “Beating his old rival in the final felt like payback.”
What part of speech is “payback”?
“Payback” is a noun.
Is “payback” a common word?
“Payback” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “payback” have?
“Payback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: revenge for something someone has done.
