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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punishment

The Rock could show up any week now to inflict further punishment on Rhodes and make his life insufferable. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

Other than the Communist Party itself, no group suffered as much scrutiny or punishment during the Red Scare as the amorphous agglomeration known as the federal workforce. —Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025

As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office. —Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025

Team members need to feel safe to voice their opinions, ask judgment-free questions, and admit mistakes without fear of punishment and humiliation. —Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025