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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.

"I bawled, I cried, and asked God why. I'd taken care of people my whole life. God told me he didn't have me there as punishment, but on purpose."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Leicester were "disappointed" when it was announced they were docked six points on 5 February and described the punishment as "disproportionate".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

She spoke of one audience member, a relative of someone who was murdered, who became more open to a debate about the merits of capital punishment after seeing the opera.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The notorious firm has earned its legal punishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

He promised to abolish the Treaty of Versailles, calling it "unfair punishment."

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple