payback

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.

These forced withdrawals are payback for years of valuable tax deferral and are taxed at ordinary income rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And I asked the class, “Do you think that the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was justified as payback for what the Japanese military had done in Nanjing?”

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

"If this is payback time, this is my redemption," said Lai, who was then out on bail.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

It was payback after the Belarusian Sabalenka won the 2023 final between two of the hardest hitters in women's tennis.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

His phone calls were just payback for the recent cushion he had given me.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee