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
The Yankees have a chance for payback after losing to the Dodgers in the World Series last fall.
—
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Why was that the right moment for this episode to end on?
Since Episode 2, everything in this season has been about payback, and this incredible stew of emotions that Ellie is experiencing.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 May 2025
Along with the Big 12 title, the Horned Frogs will be aiming for payback against the Wildcats after Arizona defeated TCU 2-1 in their three game series at the beginning of May.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Then again, perhaps a nontraditional lender will want to extend the money in hopes of a different sort of payback.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payback
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Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Why was that the right moment for this episode to end on?
Since Episode 2, everything in this season has been about payback, and this incredible stew of emotions that Ellie is experiencing.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 May 2025
Along with the Big 12 title, the Horned Frogs will be aiming for payback against the Wildcats after Arizona defeated TCU 2-1 in their three game series at the beginning of May.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Then again, perhaps a nontraditional lender will want to extend the money in hopes of a different sort of payback.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 21 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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