comeuppance

noun

come·​up·​pance (ˌ)kəm-ˈə-pən(t)s How to pronounce comeuppance (audio)
Synonyms of comeuppancenext
: a deserved rebuke or penalty : deserts
One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

Synonyms

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Examples of comeuppance in a Sentence

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly. as with many action movies, this one ends with a wild chase and an over-the-top fight sequence in which the bad guys finally get their comeuppance
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.
This show is not long on moments of satisfying comeuppance. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 Waltz lends a slimy charisma to the merciless SS colonel, who gets a satisfying comeuppance via carving knife. 4. — Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 And unlike so many bullies, Falfa gets his comeuppance in the end. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025 These journeys are more complex than a simple tale of rich people getting their comeuppance in the tropics. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comeuppance

Word History

Etymology

come up + -ance

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comeuppance was in 1859

Rhymes for comeuppance

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Cite this Entry

“Comeuppance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comeuppance. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

comeuppance

noun
come·​up·​pance
(ˌ)kəm-ˈəp-ən(t)s
: strong criticism that is deserved
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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