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 might sound like some kind of punishment or endurance challenge today, but in Ancient Rome this was just a standard public restroom. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

The films also involve normie couples caught up in hauntings, dealt Old Testament–style punishments by forces from the great beyond. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

At a certain point, the punishment can be unsatisfying and lose its impact. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

In cases of rape and murder, the punishment is life imprisonment. — Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026