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.

It is these administrative provisions, rather than the harsher punishments, that lie at the heart of the Akal Takht's objections.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026

On other occasions, Thomas has insisted that the Eighth Amendment be interpreted in light of the punishments permitted at the time it was written.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

They create systems of rewards and punishments, and timers for getting things done quickly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

It’s also possible that punishments for certain players could be harsher than what Koepka received.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

When they were done, she scored them out with her red pen to make sure that old lines were not recycled for new punishments.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy