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Showing results for punishment. Search instead for punishme.
Definitions

punishment

[puhn-ish-muhnt] / ˈpʌn ɪʃ mənt /
NOUN
penalty
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abuse beating discipline forfeiture retribution sanction suffering torture trial
STRONG
amercement castigation chastening chastisement comeuppance confiscation correction deprivation forfeit gallows infliction lumps maltreatment mortification mulct ostracism pain penance proof purgatory reparation rod sequestration unhappiness victimization
WEAK
disciplinary action hard work punitive measures rough treatment short shrift what for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
award happiness reward
STRONG
indulgence
WEAK
encouragement exoneration praise protection

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Leicester were "disappointed" when it was announced they were docked six points on 5 February and described the punishment as "disproportionate".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"It's just cruelty and collective punishment," Jayapal added.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

“Where is the difference between punishment and reward when one gets only what he asks for?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

With his older brother John, he ran a school, having left a previous teaching post from a disinclination to administer corporal punishment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Being inside a basket of durian is punishment enough.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat