Synonyms of punishment

punishment

noun

ˈpə-nish-mənt 

as in penalty

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penalty
• wrath
• sentence
• chastisement
• discipline
• castigation
• correction
• comeuppance
• condemnation
• retribution
• nemesis
• retaliation
• revenge
• reprimand
• vengeance
• desert(s)
• reprisal
• fine
• criticism
• imprisonment
• assessment
• example
• confinement
• incarceration
• damnation
• censure
• charge
• rebuke
• mulct
• denouncement
• reproof

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parole
• indemnity
• pardon
• amnesty
• vindication
• acquittal
• exemption
• immunity
• exoneration
• impunity
• release
• exculpation
• forgiveness
• commutation
• remission
• reprieve
• absolution
• disregard
• condonation
• remitment
• overlooking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punishment

This helps everyone, regardless of state, and removes the punishment for success. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

But amputating functioning limbs was nearly always a form of punishment. —Sarah Barringer, The Conversation, 18 Feb. 2025

The mother’s friend made a video recording showing his condition, and the other kids confirmed to police that the 5-year-old’s punishments were routine, investigators said. —Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2025

Does Trump truly believe that lifting anti-corruption punishments will make American companies more competitive, and the United States more secure? —Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025