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.

But instead of ending capital punishment in the United States, the Furman decision set off a scramble in which states reenacted their death penalty laws in the hope of curing the problem Justice Douglas identified.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

“The punishment should fit the offense. You’d agree with that, right?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Thursday’s nine-year ban by the Insolvency Service, a government agency that investigates failed companies, is the first formal punishment of the Australian financier over the bankruptcy of Greensill Capital.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

For many targets of SEC enforcement, including those who are innocent, this process is the punishment.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

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

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Vocabulary lists containing punishment

Psychology

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Nadia the Willful"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The House of Hades

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!