poetic justice

NOUN

vice punished

Synonyms

WEAK

just punishment nemesis punitive action retribution retributive justice virtue rewarded warrantability

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.

If Mazda’s customers rebel, it will amount to poetic justice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

It would have been poetic justice if he had won on Sunday, not just playing in a home World Cup but also leading his side - that wasn't meant to be.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

It was poetic justice after what happened with the Dodgers two seasons ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2023

It's poetic justice that they get to be first in line to start holding him accountable.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2023

So absolute is his faith in the soul that he renders poetic justice to its manifestations, seeing indications of its presence where others see none, and glorifying where others are inclined to pity.

From Transcendentalism in New England A History by Frothingham, Octavius Brooks