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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.

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

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

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

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The moves also are convincing Arab states they might need to deliver some punishment to re-establish deterrence, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“It is a punishment I impose on myself,” La Llorona began.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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