1
: requital
2
: a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay
also
: the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped
Examples of payback in a Sentence
They beat our team last year, so we've got to beat them this year as payback.
we are hoping to get payback for the humiliating defeat we suffered at the hands of our rivals during our last matchup
Recent Examples on the Web
One bloc—led by President himself—is easy to figure: they're motivated by power and payback.
—
Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Though the raid was carried out by Mexican authorities, U.S. officials have said the Guadalajara cartel blamed Camarena for the takedown and sought payback.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
Revoking the clearances is payback, no matter what Trump says.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
This match served as payback for Sikoa's interference in Strowman's United States Title match against Carmelo Hayes.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
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Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Though the raid was carried out by Mexican authorities, U.S. officials have said the Guadalajara cartel blamed Camarena for the takedown and sought payback.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
Revoking the clearances is payback, no matter what Trump says.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
This match served as payback for Sikoa's interference in Strowman's United States Title match against Carmelo Hayes.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
Cite this Entry
“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payback. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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