comeback

[ kuhm-bak ]

noun

1. a return to a former higher rank, popularity, position, prosperity, etc.:

   The ex-champion kept trying to make a comeback.

2. a clever or effective retort; rejoinder; riposte:

   That was a great comeback the comedian made to the hecklers.

3. Informal. a basis or cause of complaint:

   If you insist on buying these pointed shoes, you'll have no comeback when your toes start to hurt.

comeback

/ ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former position, status, etc
2. a return or response, esp recriminatory
3. a quick reply; retort

verb

1. to return
2. to become fashionable again
3. to reply after a period of consideration

   I'll come back to you on that next week

4. to argue back; retort
5. come back to someone
   (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory

Word History and Origins

Origin of comeback¹

First recorded in 1815–25; noun use of verb phrase come back

Example Sentences

Paley went on to make records there with John Wesley Harding and the Mighty Lemon Drops before helming a would-be comeback album by Lewis called “Young Blood” in 1995.

From Los Angeles Times

Entering a prime-time reunion against his former team, Dobbins is a leading candidate for NFL comeback player of the year, a resurgence that matches his new franchise’s rise.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, the bundle is making a minor comeback in streaming, thanks to a deal between rivals Walt Disney Co. and Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times

“Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory,” Amazon founder Jeff Bezos tweeted the morning after the election.

From Salon

His win over Vice President Kamala Harris marks a huge comeback for a man who lost the election for president in 2020, and has faced many troubles since then.

From NewsForKids.net

Related Words

• improvement
• rebound
• resurgence
• return
• revival
• victory
• winning