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

“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

As the payback for giving me the dirty finger I said out loud to By, “How many cows you counted, By? How many red cars so far?”

From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis