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.

Australia's national broadcaster, the ABC, reported that some in the crowd outside the hospital yelled that Lewis needed to face "payback" and accused the police of protecting him.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Party leaders declared it payback and boasted about their new fighting spirit.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

“There is some payback in our culture,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

“We’re seeing a very short window for payback on those initiatives, and that’s coming through as well.”

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee