sentences

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 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.

He was ordered to serve two sentences of between five years and life consecutively.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

The two sentences nicely capture her campaign strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Those found guilty of conducting abusive conversion practices could face both an unlimited fine and prison sentences of up to five years.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

“When a judge sentences a defendant, the defendant is taken into custody,” Percival wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

The Court found the sentences imposed in those cases “reasonably proportionate” to the offenses committed—and not “cruel and unusual” in violation of the Eighth Amendment.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander