Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

take revenge

VERB
retaliate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reciprocate
STRONG
get pay recompense repay requite retrospect return revenge revive settle
WEAK
even the score exact retribution get back at make reprisal pay back return the compliment square accounts strike back take an eye for an eye turn the tables on turn upon wreak vengeance
Antonyms
STRONG
depart leave lose 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.

"It Was Just an Accident," by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, was filmed in secret and deals with a dilemma that victims of oppression sometimes face: should they take revenge or forgive those who imprisoned them?

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

"Andriy was a great man and a true friend. That is why they take revenge, that is what they are afraid of," he wrote on Telegram, pointing to Parubiy's contribution to building the Ukrainian army.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

The mechanic vows to take revenge, but there’s a problem: He never saw the man’s face, and all he has to go on is the telltale squeak of his tormenter’s prosthetic leg.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2025

Let us not blame the Palestinian civilians of Gaza or take revenge against them.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Before he left, Schindler asked that we not take revenge on the people in the nearby town, since they had helped him to keep us alive.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson