punishments

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.

The orders against these firms imposed similar punishments.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

MPs who are judged to have broken the code of conduct face a range of punishments from a written or oral apology to suspension from the House or even expulsion, in the most serious cases.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

They create systems of rewards and punishments, and timers for getting things done quickly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

It’s also possible that punishments for certain players could be harsher than what Koepka received.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Mom felt that Grandma Smith nagged and badgered, setting rules and punishments for breaking the rules.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls