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Showing results for punishment.
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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

But it wasn’t like Albuquerque was doing nothing, or nothing but punishment.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

"It has to be this way: in addition to the formal punishment in the judicial system, we're saying, 'You have no place here'," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Until now, there have been no specific legal penalties for entering a football match without a ticket, with supporters that are caught doing so tending to be ejected without any further punishment.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

“I have determined a punishment befitting his disappointing behavior.”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.