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Showing results for punishment. Search instead for punishme.
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.

Casual conversation with colleagues, or a failure to share intimate personal items like photos to build trust with victims, resulted in similar punishment.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

The law would deal "serious punishment" to deter repeat offenders, Cambodian justice minister Koeut Rith told a news conference.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Where is the difference between punishment and reward when one gets only what he asks for?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Collective punishment of civilians, when it takes place during armed conflict, is a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

A small percentage included men awaiting court-martial, who joined to escape punishment.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti