Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

sentence

[sen-tns] / ˈsɛn tns /
NOUN
punishing decree
Synonyms
STRONGEST
censure decision edict judgment order penalty punishment ruling term verdict
STRONG
book clock condemnation determination dictum doom fall getup hitch jolt knock pronouncement rap sleep stretch time trick vacation
WEAK
considered opinion sending up the river
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encouragement indecision praise reward
WEAK
accusation charge
VERB
decide punishment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blame condemn confine convict imprison incarcerate jail penalize punish
STRONG
adjudge adjudicate damn denounce devote doom impound judge ordain proscribe railroad rule settle
WEAK
mete out pass judgment put away put on ice send to prison send up the river take the fall throw the book at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
exonerate free let go liberate pardon praise release reward
STRONG
commend
WEAK
accuse blame charge

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.

“Jen has faith in our justice system, understands that anyone who breaks the law will be punished, and accepts this sentence as just,” Shah’s attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said in a statement after sentencing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

If the prime minister's message could be summarised in just one sentence, it was his admission that "this will not be easy".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Wouldn’t you think they would have put one sentence in there, saying: ‘keep the money,’ or ‘don’t keep the money,’ right?” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For many years, the illness was considered a death sentence, with a five-year survival rate of just 25 percent.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

I do not know how to say the rest of that sentence.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.