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

Faced with 25% tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods, Canada and Mexico were able to temporarily stave off the economically threatening punishment for at least 30 days after announcing agreements with the Trump administration. —Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2025

The new law will create harsher punishments for people who commit hate crimes, escalating prison time and fines for repeat offenders. —Trans Formations Project, Them, 31 Jan. 2025

There were positive elements of the plan, such as managing addiction as a disease in need of treatment instead of a crime deserving punishment. —Melody Glenn, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025

Franke confessed to forcing her children to do physical labor and punishments, cutting off her son’s oxygen supply, binding his wrists and ankles, and making her daughter run outside barefoot on hot days. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025