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

No relatives or friends of the three murder victims in his case witnessed Norman's punishment. — Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026

There were five campus incidents in which a professor or academic staff member faced backlash or punishment for speech protected by academic freedom or the First Amendment — three at Texas A&M and two at Texas Tech. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Under a plea agreement, Kerns’ punishment range is five to 20 years in prison. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

The Orwellian parallels and Cold War overtones are strong on this particular planet, where a hive-mind entity enforces conformity through mass surveillance and zero-tolerance punishments. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026