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Definitions

punishing

[puhn-i-shing] / ˈpʌn ɪ ʃɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
tough
Synonyms
Antonyms


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.

Investors have spent months punishing Oracle’s stock in reaction to the company’s pivot to artificial-intelligence infrastructure, but one analyst thinks the company will prove the doubters wrong.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

SAN FRANCISCO—A federal judge on Tuesday said the U.S. government appeared to be punishing Anthropic by banning the artificial-intelligence company—in retribution for bringing into the public view its contracting dispute with the Pentagon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

But Harper's salvo proved to be in vain as Venezuela regained the lead in the ninth inning, punishing a shaky performance from US reliever Garrett Whitlock to clinch victory.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Long framed by a tin roof and a tent, the theater had a reputation for discomfort, as it was a source of punishing heat and the occasional mouse sighting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

It was almost as if she could read my mind and was punishing me for my thoughts.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson