punishing

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.

Emerging-markets stocks are still beating their U.S. rivals this year, even after a recent bout of volatility triggered a punishing but mercifully short-lived selloff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Oil and gas prices look to stay elevated under any endgame scenario, punishing importers in the developing world.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

When I spoke to the UK's Fraud Minister, Lord Hanson of Flint, he told me punishing countries for refusing or failing to cooperate on tackling scams could be counterproductive.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The move opens a volatile new phase in the six-week conflict, shifting from punishing strikes on military targets to an open-ended campaign to police the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

After punishing me for using my fist, Mother issued one of her infrequent commands: never to tell anyone about my curse.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine