What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
payback
Example
He waited patiently for payback against his former business partner who had cheated him. [payback: noun]
Example
I invested in the stock market and received a good payback on my investment. [payback: noun]
Example
I'll help you move this weekend as payback for when you helped me last month. [payback: noun]
reprisal
Example
The company threatened to take legal reprisals against the employee who leaked confidential information. [reprisal: noun]
Example
The country launched a missile attack in reprisal for the enemy's bombing of their capital. [reprisal: noun]
Example
The union warned of possible reprisals if the company did not meet their demands. [reprisals: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Payback is more commonly used in everyday language than reprisal. Payback is often used in casual conversation and media, while reprisal is more commonly used in legal, political, or military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between payback and reprisal?
Reprisal is generally considered more formal than payback. Reprisal is often used in legal, political, or military contexts, while payback is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
