PUNISHER Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

punisher

noun

Definition of punisher

as in nemesis

one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense a father who regrets the fact that he always ends up being the household's disciplinarian and resident punisher

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of punisher Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs). — Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punisher

Noun

At an artists’ retreat, insecure trans cartoonist Al is caught in a love triangle between his best friend and his creative nemesis—and must win his best friend’s heart by learning to draw his feelings honestly.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ coach who doubles as McVay’s friend, mentor and nemesis, outmaneuvered McVay again.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of nemesis

Noun

Tresnjak and Melinda Page Hamilton frame Claire Zachanassian as a clear-eyed avenger forcing society to confront capitalism, patriarchy and power, deepening the Playhouse’s emerging sense of company and artistic risk-taking.

— Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Definition of avenger

Noun

Anti-immigrant marches and vigilante groups have driven a wave of social upheaval in South Africa this year, often blaming foreign migrants for the country's high crime rate.

— Rael Ombuor The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
As yields surged over the summer, he was unfazed, saying there was still no sign that the bond vigilantes were revolting.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of vigilante

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punished

punisher

punishers

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“Punisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punisher. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of punisher

noun

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