Comeback vs. Return — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 16, 2024
A comeback refers to a return to popularity or success after a decline, emphasizing a resurgence, while return simply denotes coming back to a place, position, or situation without implying success.
Difference Between Comeback and Return
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A comeback often carries the connotation of triumph or success after a period of absence, decline, or adversity, particularly in careers, competitions, or public perception. It implies a notable improvement or resurgence, highlighting the overcoming of challenges. On the other hand, return is a more neutral term that indicates the act of going back to a previous state, place, or condition, without necessarily suggesting a positive or negative outcome. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from the physical act of returning to a location to the reinstatement of a previous condition or situation.
In the entertainment industry, a comeback is celebrated when an artist, actor, or performer regains fame, critical acclaim, or commercial success after a period of less visibility or success. In contrast, a return can simply mean an artist releasing new work or appearing in public after a time away, without the expectation of heightened success or acclaim.
In sports, a comeback highlights an athlete or team overcoming a significant deficit in performance or score to win or achieve success. Return, however, might refer to an athlete coming back from injury or retirement to participate in the sport again, without the implication of achieving immediate success or a dramatic turnaround.
Comebacks can be highly newsworthy and inspiring, often becoming significant narratives in media, as they encapsulate stories of perseverance, resilience, and determination. Whereas returns are more commonplace and might not garner as much attention unless they lead to a notable comeback story or are significant for other reasons, such as a high-profile individual or a long period of absence.
Both terms signify a form of transition, but the essence of a comeback lies in the impactful resurgence and positive change, often against the odds. In contrast, a return is fundamentally about the act of coming back or reinstatement to a former position or state, with the outcomes and implications being more varied and not inherently tied to success or failure.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Success or resurgence after decline.
Neutral; coming back without implying success.
Contexts
Often used in careers, sports, and entertainment.
Broad, including physical location and situations.
Implication
Implies overcoming challenges.
Does not inherently suggest a positive or negative change.
Public Perception
Usually viewed positively, as a story of triumph.
Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Examples
An artist topping charts after years of low sales.
An employee returning to work after a vacation.
Compare with Definitions
Comeback
A witty retort.
She had a sharp comeback for every critique.
Return
A financial gain or loss.
The investment yielded a high return.
Comeback
A return to success after failure.
The band's latest album marked a spectacular comeback.
Return
Coming back to a place.
She made her return to her hometown after ten years.
Comeback
Resurgence in popularity.
Vintage styles are making a comeback in fashion.
Return
Resuming a position or condition.
He announced his return to the company's board.
Comeback
Revival of a career.
The actor's role in the new film is being hailed as his career comeback.
Return
The continuation or recurrence of a situation.
Their discussion marked the return of an ongoing debate.
Comeback
Overcoming a disadvantage in sports.
The team staged an impressive comeback in the final quarter.
Return
The act of giving back something borrowed.
The return of the library books was overdue.
Comeback
A return to formerly enjoyed status or prosperity
The film star made an unexpected comeback.
Return
To go or come back, as to an earlier condition or place
She returned to her office after lunch.
Comeback
A return to popularity
Wide ties are making a comeback this year.
Return
To revert in speech, thought, or practice
I returned to my knitting after answering the phone.
Comeback
The act of making up a deficit, as in a contest or game.
Return
To revert to a former owner.
Comeback
A reply, especially a quick witty one; a retort.
Return
To answer or respond
I said hello to him, and he returned in kind.
Comeback
A return (e.g. to popularity, success, etc.) after an extended period of obscurity or underperformance.
That fad went out with the eighties, but I think it's making a comeback.
Return
To send, put, or carry back
We return bottles to the store.
Comeback
A retort or answer, particularly a quick or clever one.
I wish I had thought of a quick comeback for his comment.
Return
To give or send back in reciprocation
She returned his praise.
Comeback
(sports) An occurrence of an athlete or sports team in a competition overcoming a substantial disadvantage in points to win or draw.
Return
To give back to the owner
He returned her book.
Comeback
A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Return
To reflect or send back
The echo was returned by the canyon wall.
Comeback
Return by a celebrity to some previously successful activity
Return
To produce or yield (profit or interest) as a payment for labor, investment, or expenditure.
Return
To submit (an official report, for example) to a judge or other person in authority.
Return
To render or deliver (a writ or verdict, for example) to the proper officer or court of law.
Return
To elect or reelect, as to a legislative body.
Return
(Games) To respond to (a partner's lead) by leading the same suit in cards.
Return
(Architecture) To turn away from or place at an angle to the previous line of direction.
Return
(Sports) To hit or send back (a tennis ball, for example) to one's opponent.
Return
(Football) To run with (the ball) after a kickoff, punt, interception, or fumble.
Return
The act or condition of going, coming, bringing, or sending back
After my return, we can discuss this matter further.
Return
The act of bringing or sending something back to a previous place, condition, or owner
The late return of a library book.
Return
Something brought or sent back.
Return
Returns Merchandise returned, as to a retailer by a consumer or to a wholesaler by a retailer.
Return
Something that goes or comes back.
Return
A recurrence, as of a periodic occasion or event
The return of spring.
Return
Something exchanged for that received; repayment.
Return
A reply; a response.
Return
The profit made on an exchange of goods.
Return
Often returns A profit or yield, as from labor or investments.
Return
Output or yield per unit rather than cost per unit, as in the manufacturing of a particular product.
Return
A report, list, or set of statistics, especially one that is formal or official.
Return
Often returns A report on the vote in an election.
Return
Chiefly British An election.
Return
(Games) A lead in certain card games that responds to the lead of one's partner.
Return
The act of hitting or sending the ball back to one's opponent.
Return
The ball thus sent back.
Return
The act of running back the ball after a kickoff, punt, interception, or fumble.
Return
The yardage so gained.
Return
The extension of a molding, projection, or other part at an angle (usually 90°) to the main part.
Return
A part of a building set at an angle to the façade.
Return
A turn, bend, or similar reversal of direction, as in a stream or road.
Return
A pipe or conduit for carrying something, especially water, back to its starting point.
Return
The key or mechanism on a machine, such as a typewriter, that positions the carriage or printing element at the beginning of a new line.
Return
A key on a computer keyboard or keypad used to begin a new line or paragraph in a text editor.
Return
Chiefly British A roundtrip ticket.
Return
The bringing or sending back of a writ, subpoena, or other document, generally with a short written report on it, by a sheriff or other officer to the court from which it was issued.
Return
A certified report by an assessor, election officer, collector, or other official.
Return
A formal tax statement on the required official form indicating taxable income, allowed deductions, exemptions, and the computed tax that is due. Also called income tax return, tax return.
Return
Of, relating to, or bringing about a going or coming back to a place or situation
The return voyage.
A return envelope.
Return
Given, sent, or done in reciprocation or exchange
A return volley.
A return invitation.
Return
Performed, presented, or taking place again
A return engagement of the ballet.
A return tennis match.
Return
Returning or affording return or recirculation
A return plumbing pipe.
A return valve.
Return
Reversing or changing direction.
Return
Having or formed by a reversal or change in direction; returning on itself, as a bend in a road or stream.
Return
(intransitive) To come or go back (to a place or person).
Although the birds fly north for the summer, they return here in winter.
Return
(intransitive) To go back in thought, narration, or argument.
To return to my story...
Return
(intransitive) To recur; to come again.
Winter returns every year.
Return
To turn back, retreat.
Return
To turn (something) round.
Return
(transitive) To place or put back something where it had been.
Please return your hands to your lap.
Return
(transitive) To give something back to its original holder or owner.
You should return the library book within one month.
Return
(transitive) To take back something to a vendor for a complete or partial refund.
Yeah, it's $600,000 but, if it doesn't work, you can always return it. As long as it's undamaged and in the original packaging, I'll give you a full refund.
Return
To give in requital or recompense; to requite.
Return
(tennis) To bat the ball back over the net in response to a serve.
The player couldn't return the serve because it was so fast.
Return
(card games) To play a card as a result of another player's lead.
If one players plays a trump, the others must return a trump.
Return
(cricket) To throw a ball back to the wicket-keeper (or a fielder at that position) from somewhere in the field.
Return
(transitive) To say in reply; to respond.
To return an answer;
To return thanks;
"Do it yourself!" she returned.
Return
To relinquish control to the calling procedure.
Return
To pass (data) back to the calling procedure.
This function returns the number of files in the directory.
Return
To retort; to throw back.
To return the lie
Return
(transitive) To report, or bring back and make known.
To return the result of an election
Return
To elect according to the official report of the election officers.
Return
The act of returning.
I expect the house to be spotless upon my return.
Return
A return ticket.
Do you want a one-way or a return?
Return
An item that is returned, e.g. due to a defect, or the act of returning it.
Last year there were 250 returns of this product, an improvement on the 500 returns the year before.
Return
An answer.
A return to one's question
Return
An account, or formal report, of an action performed, of a duty discharged, of facts or statistics, etc.; especially, in the plural, a set of tabulated statistics prepared for general information.
Election returns; a return of the amount of goods produced or sold
Return
Gain or loss from an investment.
It yielded a return of 5%.
Return
A report of income submitted to a government for purposes of specifying exact tax payment amounts; a tax return.
Hand in your return within 90 days of the end of the tax year.
Return
(computing) A carriage return character.
Return
(computing) The act of relinquishing control to the calling procedure.
Return
(computing) A return value: the data passed back from a called procedure.
Return
A return pipe, returning fluid to a boiler or other central plant (compare with flow pipe, which carries liquid away from a central plant).
The boiler technician had to cut out the heating return to access the safety valve.
Return
A short perpendicular extension of a desk, usually slightly lower.
Return
(American football) The act of catching a ball after a punt and running it back towards the opposing team.
Return
(cricket) A throw from a fielder to the wicket-keeper or to another fielder at the wicket.
Return
(architecture) The continuation in a different direction, most often at a right angle, of a building, face of a building, or any member, such as a moulding; applied to the shorter in contradistinction to the longer.
A facade of sixty feet east and west has a return of twenty feet north and south.
Return
To turn back; to go or come again to the same place or condition.
On their embattled ranks the waves return.
If they returned out of bondage, it must be into a state of freedom.
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Return
To come back, or begin again, after an interval, regular or irregular; to appear again.
With the yearSeasons return; but not me returnsDay or the sweet approach of even or morn.
Return
To speak in answer; to reply; to respond.
He said, and thus the queen of heaven returned.
Return
To revert; to pass back into possession.
And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David.
Return
To go back in thought, narration, or argument.
Return
To bring, carry, send, or turn, back; as, to return a borrowed book, or a hired horse.
Both fled attonce, ne ever back returned eye.
Return
To repay; as, to return borrowed money.
Return
To give in requital or recompense; to requite.
The Lord shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head.
Return
To give back in reply; as, to return an answer; to return thanks.
Return
To retort; to throw back; as, to return the lie.
If you are a malicious reader, you return upon me, that I affect to be thought more impartial than I am.
Return
To report, or bring back and make known.
And all the people answered together, . . . and Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.
Return
To render, as an account, usually an official account, to a superior; to report officially by a list or statement; as, to return a list of stores, of killed or wounded; to return the result of an election.
Return
Hence, to elect according to the official report of the election officers.
Return
To bring or send back to a tribunal, or to an office, with a certificate of what has been done; as, to return a writ.
Return
To convey into official custody, or to a general depository.
Instead of a ship, he should levy money, and return the same to the treasurer for his majesty's use.
Return
To bat (the ball) back over the net.
Return
To lead in response to the lead of one's partner; as, to return a trump; to return a diamond for a club.
Return
The act of returning (intransitive), or coming back to the same place or condition; as, the return of one long absent; the return of health; the return of the seasons, or of an anniversary.
At the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.
His personal return was most required and necessary.
Return
The act of returning (transitive), or sending back to the same place or condition; restitution; repayment; requital; retribution; as, the return of anything borrowed, as a book or money; a good return in tennis.
You made my liberty your late request:Is no return due from a grateful breast?
Return
That which is returned.
I do expect returnOf thrice three times the value of this bond.
Return
An answer; as, a return to one's question.
The fruit from many days of recreation is very little; but from these few hours we spend in prayer, the return is great.
Return
The continuation in a different direction, most often at a right angle, of a building, face of a building, or any member, as a molding or mold; - applied to the shorter in contradistinction to the longer; thus, a facade of sixty feet east and west has a return of twenty feet north and south.
Return
The rendering back or delivery of writ, precept, or execution, to the proper officer or court.
Return
An official account, report, or statement, rendered to the commander or other superior officer; as, the return of men fit for duty; the return of the number of the sick; the return of provisions, etc.
Return
The turnings and windings of a trench or mine.
Return
Document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability;
His gross income was enough that he had to file a tax return
Return
A coming to or returning home;
On his return from Australia we gave him a welcoming party
Return
The occurrence of a change in direction back in the opposite direction
Return
Getting something back again;
Upon the restitution of the book to its rightful owner the child was given a tongue lashing
Return
The act of returning to a prior location;
They set out on their return to the base camp
Return
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Return
Happening again (especially at regular intervals);
The return of spring
Return
A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Return
The key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed
Return
A reciprocal group action;
In return we gave them as good as we got
Return
A tennis stroke that returns the ball to the other player;
He won the point on a cross-court return
Return
(American football) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble
Return
The act of someone appearing again;
His reappearance as Hamlet has been long awaited
Return
Come back to place where one has been before, or return to a previous activity
Return
Give back;
Render money
Return
Go back to a previous state;
We reverted to the old rules
Return
Go back to something earlier;
This harks back to a previous remark of his
Return
Bring back to the point of departure
Return
Return in kind;
Return a compliment
Return her love
Return
Make a return;
Return a kickback
Return
Answer back
Return
Be restored;
Her old vigor returned
Return
Pay back;
Please refund me my money
Return
Pass down;
Render a verdict
Deliver a judgment
Return
Elect again
Return
Be inherited by;
The estate fell to my sister
The land returned to the family
The estate devolved to an heir that everybody had assumed to be dead
Return
Return to a previous position; in mathematics;
The point returned to the interior of the figure
Return
Give or supply;
The cow brings in 5 liters of milk
This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn
The estate renders some revenue for the family
Return
Submit (a report, etc.) to someone in authority;
Submit a bill to a legislative body
Common Curiosities
What does return mean?
Return means coming back to a previous place, state, or situation, without necessarily implying a change in status or success.
Is every return a comeback?
Not every return is a comeback; a comeback specifically denotes a significant resurgence or improvement after a downturn.
What defines a comeback?
A comeback is defined by a person or entity regaining success, popularity, or strength after a period of decline or absence.
Can a return be negative?
While the term "return" is neutral, the context can be negative, such as returning to a bad habit or situation.
How is a comeback different from a regular success?
A comeback is specifically success that follows a period of decline, failure, or absence, making it a resurgence rather than continuous success.
How do sports commentators use the term comeback?
In sports, commentators use "comeback" to describe a team or athlete overcoming a significant disadvantage to win or perform well.
Can a return lead to a comeback?
Yes, a return can lead to a comeback if it results in significant success or improvement from a previous decline.
What makes comebacks inspirational?
Comebacks are inspirational due to the perseverance, resilience, and determination they represent, showcasing the ability to overcome adversity.
Do comebacks always involve public figures?
While public figures' comebacks are more visible, anyone can experience a comeback in their personal or professional life.
How do companies use the term comeback?
Companies may use "comeback" to describe recovering from financial losses, regaining market share, or successfully relaunching a product.
Can a product have a comeback?
Yes, products can have comebacks if they regain popularity or sales after a period of decline or obscurity.
What does return imply in the context of time?
In the context of time, return can imply revisiting or reverting to a previous state, action, or period.
What is the significance of a return in a relationship?
In relationships, a return can signify reconciliation or the decision to reengage with someone after a period of separation.
What is a financial return?
A financial return refers to the profit or loss generated from an investment relative to its cost.
How does culture impact the perception of comebacks and returns?
Cultural values and media representation can greatly influence how comebacks and returns are perceived, celebrated, or criticized.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
