English · Word Candidate

comeback

/ˈkʌmbæk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: comebacks

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A return (e.g. to popularity, success, etc.) after an extended period of obscurity or underperformance.

Noun

That fad went out with the eighties, but I think it's making a comeback.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A retort or answer, particularly a quick or clever one.

Noun

I wish I had thought of a quick comeback for his comment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “comeback” mean?

A return (e.g. to popularity, success, etc.) after an extended period of obscurity or underperformance.

Is “comeback” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.