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.

Many states and big social-media companies already have such bans, but critics say they are ineffective and don’t have adequate punishments.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The orders against these firms imposed similar punishments.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Outcomes and punishments are usually officially made public once the process has concluded but this may be delayed until any appeals have also been exhausted.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

When the work was done, and the day’s punishments, the night waited as an arena for their true loneliness and despair.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead