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settle the score

VERB
get even
Synonyms
WEAK
even the score get back at get square
VERB
repay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pay back
STRONG
avenge reciprocate requite retaliate return revenge
WEAK
even the score get back at get revenge make reprisal return the compliment square accounts
Antonyms
STRONG
forgive pardon refuse sympathize
WEAK
deprive extort leave alone penalize seize steal take

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.

Briton Ryan has an opportunity to settle the score and regain the WBO welterweight title after she was outpointed by American Mayer, 34, in New York in September.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2025

I just laid things out without trying to sweeten the edges or making excuses, but this is not a book that I was writing to settle the score.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2024

Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair will settle the score in their singles match.

From Fox News • Nov. 19, 2021

So this year, in order to settle the score, I set out to take 1,000 photos on each device.

From The Verge • Nov. 10, 2021

Once the Austrians had assembled their troops, they planned to march into Serbia and settle the score by means of a swift offensive.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

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