Definitions

what for

NOUN

punishment

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

award happiness reward

STRONG

indulgence

WEAK

encouragement exoneration praise protection

NOUN

reprimand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonition censure rebuke

STRONG

admonishment blame castigation chiding grooming lecture ragging rap reprehension reproof scolding tongue-lashing

WEAK

bawling-out calling down dressing-down hard time piece of one's mind slap on wrist talking-to telling-off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment praise

STRONG

commendation

WEAK

forgiveness reward

NOUN

retribution

Synonyms

STRONGEST

comeuppance compensation punishment reckoning redress reprisal retaliation revenge vengeance

STRONG

counterblow justice recompense repayment requital reward satisfaction

WEAK

avengement avenging eye for an eye revanche

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forgiveness pardon sympathy

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.

So now what for the Gunners academy graduate?

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

They wrote: “Mortgage costs are a decisive factor in consumers’ assessment of their ability to make what for many Americans amounts to the most meaningful purchase of their lives.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

“I hear many composers use references, but what for? That’s not what we do. We have the film to be inspired by. That’s enough.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

She was determined to shine a light on what, for many Americans on both sides of the color line, is a hidden and forgotten history.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Cluny thought angrily that if there hadn’t been such an urgent need for silence, he’d have given him what for!

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

what for

Example Sentences

Related Words