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

Twists and turns included, “Man on Fire,” created by Kyle Killen, is straightforward action entertainment, a traditional payback drama with generally clear-cut good guys and bad guys, once you sort them out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

"It is not payback, but just very real constraints and policy trade-offs," Fix told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee