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

Putting a positive spin on things, one could suggest that February was simply a payback month for better data in January.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 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’s only two more miles, but it’s payback time for the two first miles—every step from here on is at a slight incline.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen