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 of punishment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No specific cause of death was ever confirmed, but he had been severely weakened by the 2020 poisoning, at least 300 days of solitary confinement in a punishment cell and a lack of adequate medical care. —Robin Abcarian, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2024

Slavery and involuntary servitude were banned nationally by the 13th Amendment with one exception — as punishment for a crime. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Most voters are in favor of harsher punishments for repeat offenders. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024

Prop 6, if passed, would amend the California Constitution to remove the provision that allows involuntary servitude in jails and prisons as a punishment for crime. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2024