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

But some have pushed back on the idea that the threat of harsh legal punishment could prevent the gatherings in the first place. — Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 25 July 2026

All said Sayers’ history of helping others should be considered in his punishment. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 25 July 2026

In a statement, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle pointed out how two juries recommended Andres be sentenced to death — and two judges imposed the ultimate punishment — for the heinous crime. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

This weekend, an extrordinary heat wave was set to dish out punishment from Arizona to Texas and up through parts of Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and the Dakotas. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 July 2026