Synonyms of punishment

punishment

noun

ˈpə-nish-mənt 

as in penalty

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penalty
• wrath
• sentence
• chastisement
• discipline
• castigation
• correction
• comeuppance
• condemnation
• retribution
• nemesis
• retaliation
• revenge
• reprimand
• vengeance
• desert(s)
• reprisal
• fine
• criticism
• imprisonment
• assessment
• example
• confinement
• incarceration
• damnation
• censure
• charge
• rebuke
• mulct
• denouncement
• reproof

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parole
• indemnity
• pardon
• amnesty
• vindication
• acquittal
• exemption
• immunity
• exoneration
• impunity
• release
• exculpation
• forgiveness
• commutation
• remission
• reprieve
• absolution
• disregard
• condonation
• remitment
• overlooking

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of punishment

The startling move comes weeks before Hunter was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in a gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024

This too felt like a harsh punishment and may have been some sort of attempt at evening things up by the man in charge. —Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

The blunt rejection reportedly left Jenny visibly upset, and the Redditor's mother, embarrassed by the public scene, initially canceled the camping trip as punishment. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

And the judge, whose prior decisions to delay Trump’s sentencing were partly based on his consideration of the case’s unique circumstances, may be reluctant to mete out a punishment on the president-elect. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024