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

The angels, still in disguise as men, inform Lot that the city will be destroyed as punishment for its sins. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

The weekend becomes the time to catch up, pull ahead, answer what cannot wait, or reduce the punishment waiting on Tuesday morning. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

The degree of severity in punishment for violators varies based on the type of force used and the amount of property damage inflicted. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

The crime spurred long-running conversations in her home about crime, punishment and how society should respond after someone commits an act of violence. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026