Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

even the score

VERB
avenge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
vindicate
STRONG
chasten chastise punish redress repay requite revenge
WEAK
come back at get back at get even payback retribute stick it to take satisfaction take vengeance venge
Antonyms
STRONG
cheer comfort encourage forgive
VERB
get even
Synonyms
WEAK
get back at get square settle the score
VERB
repay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pay back
STRONG
avenge reciprocate requite retaliate return revenge
WEAK
get back at get revenge make reprisal return the compliment settle the score square accounts
Antonyms
STRONG
forgive pardon refuse sympathize
WEAK
deprive extort leave alone penalize seize steal take
VERB
retaliate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reciprocate
STRONG
get pay recompense repay requite retrospect return revenge revive settle
WEAK
exact retribution get back at make reprisal pay back return the compliment square accounts strike back take an eye for an eye take revenge turn the tables on turn upon wreak vengeance
Antonyms
STRONG
depart leave lose take
WEAK
forgive pardon sympathize
VERB
revenge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
avenge get back at vindicate
STRONG
defend fix get justify match punish reciprocate redress repay requite retort return score square
WEAK
be out for blood fight back fix one's wagon get even give comeuppance hit back kick back make reprisal pay back pay back in spades pay off return the compliment settle up settle with stick it to take an eye for an eye turn the tables on venge
Antonyms
STRONG
deny depart fail leave lose refuse request surrender take
WEAK
forgive pardon sympathize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s when Hilary Knight deflected a Laila Edwards slap shot past Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens to even the score and eventually send the game to overtime.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Dailey hit a jumper in the lane to even the score in the second overtime at 97-97 with 12 seconds left.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

But the Bulldogs couldn’t even the score and when the final whistle blew, the Kangaroos ran off the field and up into the stands to celebrate their historic accomplishment.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

Vanessa Gilles wasted a chance to even the score when she sent a shot over from close range as Ireland looked set to go into the break in front.

From Washington Times • Jul. 26, 2023

I was too slow to track the other players, or the ball, or even the score.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram