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

Can a dramatic tale of political comeback also be boring and disappointing?

From Salon

Fresno State drove for a quick field goal but couldn’t complete the comeback after its attempt to recover the onside kick failed.

From Los Angeles Times

Wolves are continuing to make a California comeback.

From Los Angeles Times

Considered one of the country’s greatest conservation success stories, wild turkeys made a comeback after facing near-extinction in the 20th century.

From Salon

The offering is expected to be watched closely for signs that the IPO market is making a comeback.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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