revenge
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for revenge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you.
Synonyms
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 revenge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French revengier/revenchier, ultimately from Latin vindicare — the same root that gives "vengeance" and "avenge".
Full origin of revenge →Frequently asked questions
What does “revenge” mean?
The word “revenge” means harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you. In plain terms, getting back at someone who wronged you.
How do you pronounce “revenge”?
“Revenge” is pronounced ruh-VEHNJ (/ɹəˈvɛnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “revenge” in a sentence?
Here is “revenge” used in a sentence: “She swore revenge on the colleague who had taken credit for her work.”
What is another word for “revenge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “revenge” include avenge, payback, reprisal, retaliation, requital and retribution.
What part of speech is “revenge”?
Depending on how it is used, “revenge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “revenge” come from?
The word “revenge” comes from Latin. From Old French revengier/revenchier, ultimately from Latin vindicare — the same root that gives "vengeance" and "avenge".
Is “revenge” a common word?
“Revenge” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revenge” have?
“Revenge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you.
What is the difference between revenge and avenge?
"Revenge" is chiefly a noun meaning harm done in return for a wrong, though it can be a verb. "Avenge" is a verb meaning to take just retribution on behalf of someone wronged; you avenge a person or a wrong, but you take revenge.
What is the difference between revenge and vengeance?
Both refer to harm inflicted in return for a wrong. "Revenge" is the more everyday word and works as a noun or verb, while "vengeance" is more formal and intense, often suggesting punishment delivered with strong emotion.
What is the difference between revenge and justice?
Revenge is personal harm returned for a wrong, driven by the wish to get even. Justice is the fair, impartial treatment of a wrong, usually delivered through accepted rules or the law rather than personal retaliation.