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Showing results for punishment.
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.

Nowhere has this been more clearly on display than in the world of capital punishment.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

"It has to be this way: in addition to the formal punishment in the judicial system, we're saying, 'You have no place here'," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The moves also are convincing Arab states they might need to deliver some punishment to re-establish deterrence, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Until now, there have been no specific legal penalties for entering a football match without a ticket, with supporters that are caught doing so tending to be ejected without any further punishment.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Maybe this was my punishment for leaving Mr. Sheep Sheep.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.