kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
Synonyms of kickbacknext
1
: a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion
… every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials.—D. K. Shipler
2
: a sharp violent reaction

kick back

2 of 2

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude
also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy
spent the weekend just kicking back

Synonyms of kickback

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Verb

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Examples of kickback in a Sentence

Noun Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks. Verb I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television. a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In 2018, former Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders was sentenced to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a kickback scheme. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors allege Horton awarded more than $280,000 in contracts to three longtime friends while leading the Evanston-Skokie School District and received more than $80,000 in kickbacks. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
Before the fire, patrons were kicking back cold ones about a block from Down the Hatch. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026 Up on the top floor, the rooftop skylounge features a private pool and a summer kitchen, along with plenty of places to kick back and enjoy the ocean views. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kickback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kickback was in 1920

Phrases Containing kickback

Rhymes for kickback

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Browse Nearby Words

kick-ass
kickback
kick back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kickback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kickback. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb
: relax sense 4

Legal Definition

kickback

noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor
convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals
compare bribe, payoff

Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.

More from Merriam-Webster on kickback

Nglish: Translation of kickback for Spanish Speakers

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