punishments

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.

See Examples For:

punishments

"The trial court imposed one of the harshest punishments for these charges, although fines and less severe penalties were also available."

From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026

And while there is no Premier League precedent, such concerns have not prevented such punishments being applied before in football.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

The parts maker apologized Monday and announced punishments for four executives including the dismissal of its human-resources director.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

The process to terminate controllers can be lengthy and result in lighter punishments or reversals, as has happened in some cases this year, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

Now she’s less likely to actually punch someone since middle school punishments equal getting suspended and having to spend the day at home with her mom, but that’s probably for the best.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden