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

That distinction appears to have been central to the league's review, which concluded that Harper's conduct will not require any punishment from MLB itself. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

And it is heavily implied that Odysseus’ ally Menelaus purposefully scarred his wife Helen’s face after the Trojan War both as a punishment and so that no man would be tempted to steal her again. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026

In the graphic sequence, Lannister is forced to walk naked through the streets as punishment for committing adultery. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Murder might seem like a harsh punishment for being a greedy guest, but in the poem, Zeus and Athena support and divinely assist Odysseus’s plan to massacre Penelope’s arrogant suitors. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026